Day 01
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate we transfer to Rongai. The climbs begin from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path those 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 flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. (3-4 hrs walking)

Day 02
The morning walk is a stead ascent up to the second cave (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields 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. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant ground cells senecios near Kikelewa
caves.(3,600m)6-7 hrs walking.)

Day 03
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 (4,330m.), 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 acclimatization. (3-4 hrs walking)

Day 04
We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final scent before a very early night! (4 –5 hrs walking).

Day 5.
We will start the final, and by the far the steepest and mot demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1a.m. we plod very slowly in the darkness on a switch back trail through loose volcanic scree to reach each the crater rim at Gillmans point (5,685m.) we will rest there for a short time to enjoy the pectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the 2 hrs round trip to
Uhuru peak (5,895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m.) 11-15 hrs walking.

Day 06.
A steady descent takes as down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m.) the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830m.) 5-6 hrs walking.