7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

• Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours), including a stop in Marangu to obtain permits. After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The trail then climbs steadily but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. As the forest begins to thin out, reach the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

• The morning hike is a steady ascent to Second Cave, which offers superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
• The campsite is set in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
• The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
• The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the very early final ascent.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft).
• Continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn, and you can have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
• From here, descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
• The beginning of this climb is in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly, 'pole pole,' and keeping an optimistic attitude will help get you there.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• After breakfast, a steady descent takes you 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 enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
• A Horizon Seeker Adventure vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast