After breakfast transfer to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then start 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 moorland zone (2600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains (3-4 walking)

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the second cave (3450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike across the the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelelwa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near kikelelwa cave (3600m) 6-7hrs walk

A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), 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 (3-4hrs walking)

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4700m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The reminder of the day is spent resting I preparation for the final ascent before a very early night (5-6hrs walking).

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1a.m. We plod very slowly in thedarkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman points (5685m)We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru peak (5896m) passing close to to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to kibo (4700m) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo camp (3720m) 11-15hrs walk

A Steady descent take us down through moorland to Mandara hut (2720m), 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 walk