7 Days Rongai Route

Your journey begins at Rongai Gate (1,950m) on Kilimanjaro's remote northern side near the Kenyan border. After registration, hike through cultivated farmland before entering pine forest. The northern slopes are drier with less rainfall, often offering clearer skies. The trail is gentle and relatively uncrowded compared to southern routes. You may encounter wildlife including antelopes, and bird watching is excellent. The atmosphere is peaceful and remote. Simba Camp (2,650m) sits at the forest edge where moorland begins, offering your first night on the mountain.

Emerge from the forest into the heather and moorland zone. The landscape opens up dramatically with expansive views of Kibo Peak ahead and the Kenyan plains behind. The trail climbs steadily but not steeply, making it excellent for acclimatization. You pass interesting volcanic rock formations and may see endemic plant species adapted to high altitude. Second Cave Camp (3,450m) offers spectacular positions for watching the sunset paint the mountain slopes in gold and orange hues. The campsite has basic facilities and is relatively sheltered.

Continue climbing through moorland that gradually transitions to alpine desert. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you gain altitude. Views expand in all directions - Kibo's glaciated summit ahead, Mawenzi's dramatic spires to the east, and the vast Kenyan plains stretching to the northern horizon. The relatively gentle gradient allows excellent acclimatization. Third Cave Camp (3,800m) sits in a more protected spot with some natural windbreaks from rock formations, important as winds can strengthen at this altitude.

Today features spectacular trekking to Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful alpine lake at the base of Mawenzi Peak's dramatic cliffs. The trail becomes rockier as you approach Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second-highest peak. The landscape is stark and beautiful, dominated by volcanic rock formations. Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m) sits beside the tarn with towering rock faces above - one of the most dramatically positioned camps on Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing with short walks around the tarn while enjoying the spectacular setting. This extra acclimatization day significantly improves summit success.

Cross the lunar landscape of the alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is barren and otherworldly, covered in volcanic scree and rock. This is known as the "Saddle," the high-altitude plateau between Kilimanjaro's two main peaks. The altitude is very noticeable here and you'll need to walk slowly. You join the path from Third Cave and continue to School Hut (4,750m), also called Kibo Hut, at the base of the summit cone. Rest, hydrate, and prepare equipment for the midnight summit attempt. The sunset views are spectacular.

Summit day begins around midnight. You climb slowly through the darkness toward Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. The path is steep scree that requires mental determination as the altitude makes breathing challenging. Reaching Gilman's Point at sunrise is magical - watch the sun illuminate the glaciers and crater. Continue along the crater rim passing spectacular ice formations to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa's highest point. The views are extraordinary in all directions. After summit photos, descend past School Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m) on the Marangu Route. This is an extremely long, challenging day requiring all your strength.

The final descent takes you through moorland and back into lush rainforest. Stop at Mandara Hut (2,700m) for lunch, enjoying the relatively thick air and warmer temperatures. The forest section can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so trekking poles help. As you descend, enjoy spotting wildlife and forest birds that were absent at higher elevations. At Marangu Gate (1,860m), sign out and receive your well-earned summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella or Gilman's Point. Transportation awaits to return you to your hotel for celebration.