Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Rongai Route

Follow a small path through farmland from the village of Nalemoru (1950m, or 6397 ft). Travel though pine forest mostly in the montane forest habitat, with a gentle but consistent incline. Keep a look out for the Colobus monkeys of the area with their long white hair that looks like a cape. Camp for the night at the edge of the moorland zone (2750m, or 87632ft), from here the forest thins considerably and there’s a great, wide view of the plains of Kenya.

Leave from Simba Camp in the morning with a steady ascent that’s approximately 8km (6mi) from Kikelewa Camp. Arrive at the second cave around lunchtime and take in the views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields. After lunch, hike for 3-5 hours across the moorland off the main trail heading towards the peaks of Mawenzi. Camp for the night in the sheltered valley of the Kikelewa Camp.

Climb the steep trail towards the Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4303m, or 14115 ft) through the wilderness and semi-desert habitat. Don’t listen to that “don’t look down” rule, the view behind is superb so make sure you enjoy it. Exit the vegetation zone shortly before reaching camp in the afternoon. Take a rest or explore the area around camp to help acclimate.

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo (4700m, or 15486 ft) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early start.

Start the final and, by far, the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 12:00. Go very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685m, or 18651 ft). Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. If you are still feeling strong, make the two hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m, or 19340 ft) ), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. Descend to Kibo (4720m, or 15486 ft), which is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3720m, or 12204 ft ).

Take a quick moment to enjoy the view and celebrate a successful climb before starting the descent to Horombo Huts Camp. Enjoy a well-deserved rest during the last night on the mountain.

Continue the descent to the Marangu Gate, passing by the Mandara escarpment on the way. Enjoy the easier descent and hikers who successfully reached Uhuru Peak will receive a summit certificate.