Breakfast at Springlands Hotel . Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Rongai. The climb begins at the village of Nale Moru 1950m through cultivated land before entering the pine forest. Watch out for the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys in the tree tops with their white fringed ‘capes’ and tail. Taking 3 – 4 hours the first camp is on the edge of the moorland zone where the forest begins to thin out at First Cave at 8500ft/2600m. Overnight First Cave Camp (Kikelewa).

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave at 11300ft/3450m with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Pushing on to reach Third Cave taking 3 to 4 hours at 12800ft/3800m for overnight camp. Overnight Third Cave Camp (Kikelewa).

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn 4735m, taking 3 to 4 hours spectacularly situated beneath towering spires of Mawenzi peak. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut at 15000ft/4700m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent which begins around midnight. Overnight Kibo Camp.

An early start for the summit on steep heavy scree to arrive at Gilman’s Point at 18640/5681m in time to see the sun rise. Those who want to reach the highest point in Africa can take approximately three hour excursion to Uhuru Peak 19340ft/5896m passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo at 12000ft/3700m taking 11 to 15 hours. Overnight Horombo Hut.

A steady descent down through the moorland to Mandara Hut and then downward through the lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830m) taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and transferred to Springlands Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at Springlands Hotel. Departure as per plan.