We fly to Kilimanjaro International airport. On arrival in Tanzania you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Situated in a quiet location in the foothills of Kilimanjaro this is a pleasant and friendly hotel with restaurant and bar.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the start of the Rongai route (3hrs). The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of NaleMoru (1950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Climb 900 metres; walking time: 4 to 5 hours.

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves. Climb 1000 metres; walking time: 6 to 7 hours.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), 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. Climb 730 metres; walking time: 3 to 4 hours.

We spend the day exploring the area around Mawenzi Tarn. The old adage of climbing high and sleeping low still holds very true and a second night spent at 4330m will greatly increase your chances of a successful summit bid.

We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4700m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! Climb 370 metres; walking time: 4 to 5 hours.

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1am. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5685m). We will rest there 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 (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo. Climb 1195 metres; descend 2175 metres, walking time: 11 to 15 hours.

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830m). You will be transferred to our hotel for a well earned rest. The afternoon is free to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers.  Descend 1890 metres; walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Usually there is some time to visit town in the morning before transferring to the airport for your flight home. (Sometimes flights used will get you back home the same day).

Arrive back in the UK.