After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai.  The climb begins from Nale Moru (1950 m) 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 a flowing white tail.  The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains (3-4 hours walking)

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefileds 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.  Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecious near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m) (6-7 hours walking)

A short but steep climb 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 (4,330 m), 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 hours walking)

Across 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 remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! (5-6 hours walking)

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around I a.m.  We plof very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,686 m) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.  Those who are still feeling strong an make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.  The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720m).  (11-15 hours walking)