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

• Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields.
• Climb gently through the forest, home to various wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

• Begin the morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave.
• Continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelelwa Cave for the night.

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 12 km/8 miles
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
Habitat: Heath

• The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. The landscape changes dramatically as you exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone.
• Your 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.

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Rest today, as this is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
• After spending some time exploring the area, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Climb gradually, then cross the "Saddle" lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo.
• Your camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Arrive, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Very early in the morning, 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, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• After spending a few moments in the plains of Africa and celebrating your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 19 km
Hiking Time: 9-10 hours
Habitat: Arctic

• On your last day, enjoy a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest.
• Reach the park headquarters at Marangu Gate to collect your summit certificates.
• Drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest