7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Moshi on a 4-5 hour drive through the coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
• Wait for your permits to be issued while watching the bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
• Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba Camp sits near the First Cave at the edge of the moorland zone, with spectacular views of Kenya's plains.

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m

• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along moorland terrain on a steady ascending path.
• Catch terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach Second Cave.

Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m

• After breakfast and packing, continue your steady ascent across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
• This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the eastern ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty.
• Pay attention to your body, and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m

• Take a short but steep climb up grassy slopes and be rewarded with superb views.
• Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
• The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
• If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here.
• Hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m

• Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
• The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on summit night.

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m

Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

• Continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead.
• With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
• Ascend to Uhuru Peak and be likely to encounter snow all the way.
• Congratulations - one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
• After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment.
• Begin the steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.
• Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.

Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

• After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it is time to say goodbye.
• Continue the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch.
• Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here.
• Return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
• From the gate, a vehicle will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 45 minutes away.

Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m