At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world. To reach the summit and look out across the plains below is to view the world from an entirely different perspective. It's no wonder that tourists and serious mountaineers alike regard this as one of life's most memorable experiences.

Day 1 - Base Hotel
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Springlands hotel, overnight bed and breakfast..

Day 2 - Mandara (2700m)
Morning to prepare equipment and drive to Park headquarters at Marangu gate to meet the guide and porters. It is then a 4-5 hour hike through the forest to Mandara hut for overnight.

Day 3 - Horombo (3720m)
A 6-8 hour hike. Pass through the upper rain forest to grassland and Afro-Alpine landscape with its strange pre-historic looking vegetation such as Giant Groundsel and Giant Lobelias. Continue out on the moorland enjoying great views of Moshi town and Mawenzi peak. Overnight at Horombo hut. An extra day acclimatisation may be added here to reduce the chances of altitude sickness, which can often prevent otherwise fit climbers reaching the summit.

Day 4 - Kibo (4703m)
A 6-7 hour hike. The vegetation gives way to open grassland. Pass “last water” and ascend to the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Here the landscape is barren and with wind-chill can become very cold so be sure to dress warmly. Overnight at Kibo hut on the East side of Kibo peak.

Day 5 - The Summit (5895m) and Horombo
A 10-14 hour hike up to the summit and returning to Horombo. Awake shortly after midnight and start for the summit about 0100 hrs. The ascent up still-frozen scree to Gillman’s point is steep and hard-going for 4-6 hours. The final hike 1-2 hrs to the summit (Uhuru peak) is much easier. Standing on the summit as the sun rises over Mawenzi is a truly breath-taking sight with views in every direction. It is like being on top of the world! Descend again to Kibo for lunch and on down to Horombo hut for overnight.

Day 6 - Base Hotel
Return down the mountain to Park headquarters to receive a diploma certifying your achievement. Overnight at Springlands hotel, bed and breakfast.

Day 7 - Depart
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport