6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

• After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, the porters and guides will be ready, and you will drive to Rongai gate. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small trail through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The path climbs consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters various wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with long white hair and a flowing white tail. As the forest begins to thin out, you will reach the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, Rongai One Camp (2,600 m), with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

• We now leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m). After lunch, there is time to explore the valley or to rest.

• Superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness reward this short but steep climb. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m), 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 acclimatisation.

• We cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. You will meet other climbers from the Marangu Route staying in the hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

• We will start the final and, by far, the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight at around 1 a.m. We plod slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillmans Point (5,685 m). We will rest there briefly to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can continue to the next two peaks, Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that surround most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast, where you will have hot soup and juice for refreshment. We then continue descending to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m).

After breakfast, you will celebrate with your team with the Kilimanjaro and Jambo songs, then descend through the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), the first stopping place on the Marangu Route. We continue descending through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m).