7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

• After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive for approximately 5 hours to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border.

• After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

• During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife.

• Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

Elevation gain: 760 meters, 2,000 feet

• During day two, hike through Kilimanjaro's moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times.

• During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

Elevation gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet

• This day is an acclimatisation day, allowing you to hike at the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep.

• Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Elevation gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet

• Day four is an acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn.

• It is advised to hike a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

• Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite.

• Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

Elevation gain: 420 meters, 1,380 feet

• Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek.

• The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point.

• The hike from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours.

• Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

Elevation gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet; Elevation loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet

• After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate.

• Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.

• Vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will be able to buy T-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Elevation loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet