7 Days Rongai Route

Today's stage begins in the morning with a tough climb to Second Cave. The route passes over a lengthy stretch of heath, marked by heather, wildflowers, and rocky roads. As you walk, you can see Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch, you'll leave the main trail and follow a smaller road towards Mawenzi's craggy peaks. Finally, you'll arrive at 'Second Cave', which is nestled in a protected valley near the Kikelewa Caves and is surrounded by huge Senecio plants.
Hiking: 3–4 hours
Overnight altitude: ~11,300 feet

This day has been set aside for acclimatization to increase your chances of reaching the peak and lower your danger of developing altitude sickness. Spend the morning resting and appreciating your surroundings. Around midday, it's time to leave the tent and go across the heath, following a narrow road to the craggy peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave.
Hiking: 3–4 hours
Overnight altitude: around 11,811′.

Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Following a short but steep climb up a grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as your reward. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. After a couple more hours on the trail, you will reach the site of your overnight accommodation, which enjoys a spectacular location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~14,160′

You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known as ‘The Saddle’ and links Mawenzi and Kibo. On arrival at Kibo Huts, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, it is time to ready your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s trek to the peak. Make sure to store your drinking water in a Thermos to prevent it from freezing solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~15,430′

You will be woken up around midnight, and there is just time for a light meal before you set off into the night. Most people find the tricky terrain, where the trail is littered with loose stones, to be the most challenging part of the ascent. The objective is to reach Gilman’s Point at dawn, so you can make it to Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo – shortly after sunrise. You will stop briefly at Gilman’s Point to enjoy the magnificent view before continuing along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. The last stretch of the climb features an even incline.

Depending on the season, you may face snow on the final section of the trek to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro and Africa's highest point. When you reach the top at an elevation of 5,895 masl, you may pat yourself on the back, enjoy the breathtaking view, and have your photo taken in front of the Uhuru top sign as a permanent reminder of your accomplishment.

It is time to begin the descent to Kibo Huts, which you will discover goes quite fast. You'll stop in Kibo Huts for a well-deserved lunch before heading to Horombo Huts for a much-needed night's rest.
Hiking takes 4-5 hours.
Overnight altitude: ~12,205 feet

We make our last descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Before departing Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we'll stop here for lunch and say farewell to our mountain team. Return to Arusha for a nice shower and celebration meal.
Hiking: 5–7 hours
Overnight altitude: around 1,843′.