• Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort at Marangu.

• Gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. 

Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.

• Complete the necessary registration formalities before transferring by SUV to Rongai.

• The climb begins from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing whitetail.

• The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. Take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains while arriving at the Rongai One Camp. (8,500 ft).

3-4 hours walking

• The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim.

• After lunch,  leave the main trail and head southeast, across the moorland, on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

• Your campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

6-7 hours walking

• As you make a short but steep climb, assimilate in the superb views and a tangible sense of wilderness.

• Leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

• The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

3-4 hours walking

• Cross the lunar desert of the saddle, between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall.

• The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

5-6 hours walking

• Start with the final and most demanding part of the climb at around 1 a.m.

• Plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft).

• Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

• The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, it continues down to the Horombo Huts (12,200 ft).

11-15 hours walking

• A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft).

• Continue descending through lovely lush forest to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), from where you are transferred back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort. [5-6 hours walking]

Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.

• Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.