6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft

Altitude gained: 638m

Departing from Moshi, a 4-5 hour drive takes you through the coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.

Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba Campsite is near the First Cave at the edge of the moorland zone, with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya. This is the only route where you will get to the border area of Kenya and Tanzania.

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft

Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a steadily ascending path. You will catch some 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 the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft

Altitude gained: 449m

After breakfast and packing, you continue the ascent, entering the semi-desert terrain. 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 inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft

Altitude gained: 1238m

As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the alpine desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today's hike takes you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts.

At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment, including replacing batteries for your headlamp and camera, before going to bed by 7 PM and trying to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft

Altitude lost: 2174m

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. We continue our 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, we ascend through heavy scree toward 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. From here, on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you will likely encounter snow.

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, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

(Note: This is when you choose the Mweka trail as your descending route. Otherwise, if it is the Marangu route as your descending trail, then the itinerary continues below. This is to show you that there are still two trails that you can descend through, depending on your choice and fitness at that time. You will have to inform your guide here so he will choose the trail accordingly to your fitness at the time.)

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

Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it is time to say goodbye. We 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.

You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 45 minutes away. Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations. Overnight at your hotel in Moshi.

Before being transferred for your relaxing trip to Zanzibar beaches, we will discuss different popular Moshi day trips, such as visiting Chemka Hot Spring, a natural pool, waterfalls, and a Chaga people cultural visit, plus coffee plantation and preparation visits.