7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek with New Year Summit

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by one of our friendly drivers, who will transfer you to White House Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early, you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can simply relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet one of our operations staff and your guide, who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike Duration: 6-7 hours

Distance covered: 5.7 miles

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike Duration: 3-4 hours

Distance covered: 2.3 miles

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

Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area by walking up onto the Saddle toward Camel's Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

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

Very early in the morning, around midnight, we begin our 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. 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 likely 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): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We have a long trek on our last day, 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.