7 Days: Kilimanjaro Hiking via Rongai Route

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave and the temperatures begin to drop. • Elevation: 2,650m /8,700ft to 3,450m /11,300ft • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Distance: 6 km | 4 miles • Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, you will pack, and proceed with the trekking across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This hiking brings you closer to the Easter ice fields on the crater rim, continually drawing your attention to its beauty. And finally, you will arrive at Kikelewa Cave for the night. • Elevation: 3,450m /11,300 ft to 3,600m /11,811 ft • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Distance: 6 km | 4 miles • Habitat: Semi Desert

Early wakeup, breakfast and then start your trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. In the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. • Elevation: 3,600m/ 11,811 ft to 4,330m/ 14,160 ft • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Distance: 5 km | 3 miles • Habitat: Alpine Desert

On this day you will cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The camp, Kibo Hut is located at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once you have reached there you will rest have an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. • Elevation: 4,330m/ 14,160 ft to 4,750m/ 15,430 ft • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours • Distance: 8 km | 5 miles • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit on steep and heavy scree snow. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you have arrived at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. The view up there is unbelievable. You will spend some time taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, you will descend and stop for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.The beginning of this climb is done 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 an optimistic attitude will get you there! Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak • Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours • Distance: 6 km | 4 miles • Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Distance: 16 km | 10 miles • Habitat: Health

On your last day, you will have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, you will collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you here and drive you back to the hotel in Arusha. • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours • Distance: 20 km | 12 miles • Habitat: Rain Forest