Day 1  Marangu

Arrive into Marangu and make your own way to your hotel before meeting your fellow climbers.

Day 2  Marangu to Rongai Forest
Transfer to Nale Moru and begin your climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. A gentle climb on a small path takes you through farmland, pine plantations and attractive forest that is home to a variety of wildlife to reach your first camp at 2,600m.

Day 3  Rongai Forest to Kikelewa Caves
This morning’s walk is a steady climb  to ‘Second Cave’, offering superb views of the eastern icefields on the rim of Kibo. After lunch, cross the moorland on a smaller path towards the peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. Camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves at 3,600m tonight.

Day 4  Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn
A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded with a spectacular view of the Kenyan plains in the north. Continue to Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising to your surroundings.

Day 5  Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between the volcanoes of Mawenzi and Kibo to the next campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater. Spend the afternoon resting in preparation for your final ascent to the summit.

Day 6  Kibo to Horombo via the summit
The final climb is by far the steepest and most demanding as you trek by torchlight at midnight on frozen volcanic scree to the crater rim of Gillman’s Point at 5,685m. Watch the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi and for those that are feeling strong, continue around the rim to the true summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The descent to Horombo campsite is surprisingly fast and there will be plenty of time for a rest.

Day 7  Horombo to Marangu
Continue your descent into the attractive forest around Mandara which is the first stopping place on the alternative Marangu Route at 2,700m. Return to the hotel at Marangu for a well-earned rest.

Day 8  Marangu
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.