7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route with Uhuru Peak Summit

After breakfast, collect the bags that are supposed to go to Kilimanjaro while leaving the rest at the hotel. Then drive to Marangu Gate to obtain permits or to Rongai Gate, passing through the wooden village of NaleMoru, where the trailhead begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields, then climbs gently through the forest, home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. Camp for the night at Rongai Cave.

After breakfast, our guides will start the medical checkup to ensure that you can trek safely on the second day. The hike begins with a steady incline and reaches 2nd Cave while en route to Kikelewa Cave, where you will have your hot lunch at 2nd Cave. Proceed to Kikelewa Cave, where you will arrive in the late evening. Views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.

The trekking today is short and steep, up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and enter the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

After a late breakfast, our guides will do the medical checkup to be sure you are ready for the next day. This is an acclimatization day. We hike steadily up a ridge with fantastic views on both sides, and the landscape is rugged and rocky. After spending a few moments exploring Mawenzi Ridge, we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp and a hot lunch. These extra days on the trail allow our bodies to acclimatize and assist with summit day.

After the early morning breakfast and the medical checkup, you will leave camp for Kibo Hut. As we traverse the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, the trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape. Our campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the final ascent in the early morning at midnight.

The trekking starts early in the morning at midnight. Begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim (elev. 5700 m/18,700 ft). Continuing on, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn, and you can take pictures at the summit to show your friends and family.

From here, we descend, stopping for lunch and resting at Kibo before continuing to Horombo Hut for the last camping. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you descend, so you need all your warm layers. This is the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly, pole pole, and with an optimistic attitude will get you there.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

This will be the last day of your trekking. At the gate, you will get the Kilimanjaro certificate, which your guides will give you. At that time, your team will be singing the Kilimanjaro songs plus the traditional songs. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest.