Day 1: Rainforest Trek (2,800m / 9,185 ft)
This morning we register at the main gate of the National Park before being driven to Lemosho Glades where we start a 3-5hr trek at 1,981m through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp at around 2,800m / 9,185ft. This is an unspoilt and exciting route, which takes the climb to true wilderness zones. The trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. In places the vegetation is so undisturbed by humans that it grows right across the narrow track. Flora and fauna are richer here than on other more well-trodden routes through the rain forest. Dinner and overnight at Big Tree Camp (or nearby in the rain forest).

Day 2: Acclimatisation Trek (3,500m, 11,483ft)
Today is a full days trek with a height gain of over 600m / 1,969ft, taking us to a lunch stop at a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater at around 3,050m / 10,007ft. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau rarely visited by man. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action. We will camp and have dinner at Shira One (3,500m / 11,483ft). Today we have the first close views of Kibo the dramatic summit cone of Kilimanjaro! Approx trekking time 7-8 hrs.

Day 3: Shira Plateau (3,800m / 12,467ft)
Today consists of a 5-6hr trek east across Shira Plateau to Shira Two via Shira Cathedral (3,880m / 12,730ft). The views from the top of this ridge are spectacular. Not a good day for vertigo sufferers. Overnight dinner and camp at Shira Two which is located at around 3,800m / 12,467ft.

Day 4: Southern Flank (3,900m / 12,795ft)
Today we will be crossing the Southern flank, passing down the Barranco Valley to the camp at Barranco Wall. Here we will camp and have dinner at 3,900m / 12,795ft and only 210m / 689ft higher than our previous night’s camp at Shira Two, but the walk will have taken us to 4,440m / 14,567ft and over the ridge or to 4,550m / 14,928ft and over Lava Tower offering valuable altitude acclimatisation. The camp at Barranco is one of the most spectacular on Kilimanjaro, with views of Mount Meru and the valleys below. Today’s trek will take approximately 7-10hrs.

Day 5: Barranco Wall and the Karanga Valley (3,900m / 12,795ft)
Early morning starts with a climb up Barranco Wall (4,170m / 13,681ft) with an immediate height gain of 200m / 656ft to admire the views of Mount Meru and the plains far below. We continue across the ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at 3900m / 12,795ft, where we have lunch. This day should take approx 4-6hrs. In the afternoon there is an important trek up the scree slopes towards the southern ice fields to help with acclimatisation. Overnight at the Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Barafu Ridge (4,600m / 15,092ft)
After breakfast we trek up to the Barafu Ridge Camp (4,600m / 15,092ft). The 3-5hr trek up to Barafu Ridge Camp is tough due to the altitude. We should reach the camp well ahead of most other climbers on this route because they will mainly be starting from further back at the Barranco Camp. Depending on our condition the afternoon is taken at rest or a short acclimatisation walk to a higher point and then return. We have an early dinner and rest until midnight, when the push for the summit commences.

Day 7: Summit Day (5,895m / 19,341ft)
We rise at around midnight (if we've managed to get some sleep!) to commence the trek up the scree slopes to Stella Point, continuing around the rim to the highest point Uhuru Point. It can seem mild at first but as we reach the exposed ridges, wind chill causes the temperature to plummet. First light is apparent around 0530hrs and this shoould really gives us hope to push on upwards. We should reach Stella Point (5,750m / 18,865ft) - on the crater rim just after dawn; then after a short rest continue for another hour or so round to Uhuru Point. After reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit (5,895m / 19,341ft) and having enjoyed the amazing views, we return via Stella Point. Our descent is through the scree slopes via Barafu Ridge Camp for a few hours rest and then on to Millenium Camp (3,750m / 12,303ft). This is considered the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced, involving 1,295m / 4,249ft of ascent, 2,145m / 7,037ft of descent, and 12-15hrs walking. It is however Victory Day! We have a final camp meal and overnight at Millennium Camp, where there is even the possibility of a beer!

Day 8: Descend to Mweka Gate
Today we start early and walk down through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. This is a long walk-off on a pretty, gently sloping track that takes you from the lower heath into the rainforest and finally down to the farms and plantations near Kidia. The path continues for 5-7hrs until we reach the gate for a picnic lunch, presentation of National Park certificates and triumphant photos. After lunch we will be driven to our hotel (approx 2hrs) in Arusha for a shower - the first chance to get properly clean in 8 days - and for and a large, celebratory dinner.