5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Rongai Route

• Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours), including a stop in Marangu to obtain permits.

• After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest.

• The trail starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

• The morning hike is a steady ascent to Second Cave, with incredible views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• Today, continue the hike from Second Cave to Third Cave.

• Then hike on to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.

• Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent.

Second Cave to Third Cave

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim.

• Continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn.

• Have a picture taken at the summit to show friends and family.

• From here, descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until climbers start descending, so wear warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft | Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up/15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up/15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• After breakfast, a steady descent takes climbers down through moorland to Mandara Hut.

• Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu.

• At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

• Meet the vehicle at Marangu village and drive back to the hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip guides and porters.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest