6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak for New Year

• We 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 and then climbs gently through the forest, home to a variety of 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

• We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through Moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

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. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. The landscape changes dramatically as we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone. Our 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

• On a good, firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness - headache and nausea. Take lots of fluids and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole - slowly, slowly. One last tough section, and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early, as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.

• We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. 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. We 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 will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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 our last day, we trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us 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