Early morning breakfast at hotel, complete the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate and transfer by Landrover to Rongai.

A gentle start to the climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m), on a small, winding path through fields of maize and potatoes leading to a pine forest. Then the track starts gentle consistently climb through a forest which shelters a variety of wildlife including the black and white Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.

As the forest thins out, the first camp, Rongai One is reached, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Today’s walking duration is 3-4 hours.

The day starts with a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) which has superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We leave the main trail after lunch and cross the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.The day ends at Kikelewa campsite which is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios (genus of the daisy family) near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m)Today’s walking duration is 6-7 hours walking.

A short steep climb is rewarded by a 360 view and a tangible sense of wilderness. We enter the more desolate section of the climb, reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), situated in a cirque directly beneath the spires of Mawenzi. In order to aid acclimatisation, the afternoon will be at leisure to rest or explore the surrounding.Today’s walking duration is 3-4 hours.

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The afternoon is spent in camp preparing for the ascent, getting in a very early night.Today’s walking duration is 5-6 hours.

At one am, start the final, steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight. Treading very carefully in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m). Short rest here to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.For the more energetic, make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.A quick descent to Kibo (4,700 m), time for some refreshment and continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).Today’s walking duration is 11-15 hours.

Final steady descent down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stop on the Marangu Route. Continue the descend through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m).Today’s walking duration is 5-6 hours.Day ends at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for a 1 night stay, breakfast and dinner included.