8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Climb with Uhuru Peak summit

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will be transferred to Springlands Hotel or an alternative hotel in Moshi. Overnight there in preparation for your climb the next day.

• After breakfast, we will take you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.), which has extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

• The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we 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 scenery near Kikelewa or 2nd Caves Campsite, where you will stay overnight (3,600 m.). [6-7 hours walking]

• A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (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 acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut Campsite or 3rd Cave Campsite. [3-4 hours walking]

• A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (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 as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut Campsite or 3rd Cave Campsite. [3-4 hours walking]

• We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m.). We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo Campsite (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]

• A steady descent takes us down through the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The first stopping place is on the Marangu Route. We then continue descending through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking] You will be transferred to Springlands Hotel or an alternative hotel in Moshi for overnight.

Departure day - you will be provided with a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.