5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

After breakfast, collect the bags for Kilimanjaro, while the rest can stay at the hotel. Then drive to Marangu Gate for permits or continue to Rongai Gate. Pass through the wooden village of NaleMoru, where the trailhead begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, home to various wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey.

Camp at Rongai Cave.

After breakfast, our guides will begin the medical checkup to ensure safe trekking on the second day. The hike starts with a steady incline and reaches 2nd Cave on the way to Kikelewa Cave, where you will have your hot lunch. Proceed to Kikelewa Cave, arriving in the late evening. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.

After an early morning breakfast and the medical checkup, leave camp for Kibo Hut. As you traverse the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, the trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape. Your 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, from midnight to 12 am, as you begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim (5700 m/18,700 ft). Continuing on, ascend to Uhuru Peak, 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, descend, stopping for lunch and rest at Kibo before continuing to Horormbo 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 with a pole and having an optimistic attitude will get you there.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you 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, so 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 receive the Kilimanjaro certificate from your guides. At that time, your team will sing Kilimanjaro and traditional songs. A Trails of Kilimanjaro vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest.