7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Arusha to the Rongai Gate trailhead.

• The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave-

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft.

Distance: 8 km/5 miles.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rainforest.

• Begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave.

• Continue trekking through the moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Rongai Cave to Second Cave-

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft.

Distance: 6 km/4 miles.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Heath.

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave-

Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft.

Distance: 6 km/4 miles.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Heath.

• The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope, with stunning views of the wilderness.

• As you exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically.

• The camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn.

• The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn-

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft.

Distance: 5 km/3 miles.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

• This is an extra day meant for acclimatisation and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge.

• The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

• After spending a few moments exploring the area, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge-

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft.

Distance: 2 km/1 mile.

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn-

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft.

Distance: 2 km/1 mile.

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

• Make a gradual climb, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo.

• Your camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.

• Once here, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut-

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft.

Distance: 8 km/5 miles.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

• Around midnight, begin your push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

• Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks.

• At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

• After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.

• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak-

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft.

Distance: 6 km/4 miles.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours.

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut-

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft.

Distance: 16 km/10 miles.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Heath.

• On your last day, trek downhill through the tropical rainforest.

• Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you here to escort you back to the hotel in Moshi.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate-

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft.

Distance: 20 km/12 miles.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Rainforest.