6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Climb to Uhuru Peak via the North

• Drive to the wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours, including a permit stop at Marangu).
• Sign in, prepare the porters, and begin the trek on a wide path through maize and potato fields.
• Enter the pine forest and climb gently while spotting wildlife along the way.
• Reach Simba Camp at the edge of the moorland zone, with views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m / 6560ft -> 2650m / 8700ft

Distance: 6km / 4mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

• Start the day with a steady ascent towards Second Cave.
• Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Overnight stay at Second Cave Camp.

Elevation: 2650m / 8700ft -> 3450m / 11,300ft

Distance: 6km / 4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Continue trekking from Second Cave to Third Cave.
• Walk through semi-desert terrain with a gradual ascent.
• The day involves a shorter hike for better acclimatisation.

Camp overnight at Third Cave.

Elevation: 3450m / 11,300ft -> 3880m / 12,700ft

Distance: 9km / 5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Trek towards Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall.
• Arrive early and spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 3880m / 12,700ft -> 4750m / 15,600ft

Distance: 5km / 3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Begin the summit climb between midnight and 2 am using headlamps or flashlights.
• Hike on steep scree or snow up to Gilman's Point at 5700m / 18,700ft on the crater rim.
• Continue to Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19,340ft, the highest point in Africa.
• Enjoy incredible views and take photos at the summit.
• Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch.
• Continue descending to Horombo Hut for the night.
• Be prepared for very cold conditions during the climb and use all your warm layers.
• This is the most challenging part of the trek, but slow walking ("pole pole") and determination will help.

Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft -> 5895m / 19,340ft (up) -> 3700m / 12,200ft (down)

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, descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut.
• Continue trekking through lush forest on a wet and possibly muddy path.
• Use gaiters and trekking poles for an easier descent.
• Wear shorts and T-shirts in the warmer lower altitudes, but keep rain gear and warm clothes handy.
• Exit the trail at Marangu Gate at 1700m / 5500ft.
• Meet the Monkey Adventures vehicle for transfer back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft -> 1700m / 5500ft

Distance: 20km / 12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast