Mt. Kilimanjaro is known as the 'Roof of Africa', and is one of the largest freestanding mountain known to man, consisting of 3 volcanic cones - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Its highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m) on Kibo, is one of the Seven Summits.

Kilimanjaro rises from the 2,000m plains right up to the peak, and the different routes to the summit go through 5 ecological zones: rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs, all virtually on the equator. There are glaciers at the slopes of Kibo, which form a permanent ice cap on the mountain. The average temperature at the foot of the mountain is 25°C to 30°C, while the summit is from -10°C to - 20°C.

Kilimanjaro is one of the highest peaks accessible to hikers in the world, and around 22,000 people every year attempt to summit Kilimanjaro. There are several routes up to the summit, including the popular Marangu and Machame trails. Marangu Route is the main tourist route which some claim to be the easiest, taking 5 days to ascend. Machame Route is probably the most scenic route, but it takes 6 days and is physically more challenging than Marangu. Other routes include Umbwe Route (a shorter but more difficult route known for its caves), Shira Route (a scenic route with views of Mt. Meru and the Great Rift Valley, accessible via 4WD to within a 1.5 hour's walk to the Shira Hut at 4,000m), the Lemosho Route (a remote route with forests teeming with game like elephant and buffalo, requiring 7 days) and the Rongai Route, which approaches from the north.

The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, and is the easiest of the routes, with gentle gradients and short daily stages. There are several big caves along this route, with magnificent views over the Amboseli Plains. This is the ascent route, while the descent is via the Marangu Route.

The Rongai Route is accessible from the Tanzanian town of Moshi. The Rongai climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path that wind through farmers fields before heading up the slopes of Kili.

DAY 1:

Rongai Gate (1,950m) to First Caves

camp (2,600m)

From the Rongai Gate, the 5-hour (8km)

climb traverses montane forests, allowing

glimpses of a variety of wildlife including

the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey, which can be seen in the pine forest and rainforest zones.

DAY 2:

First Cave Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

This 3-5 hour walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, providing great views of Kibo peak and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. The trail veers from the main path and heads across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

DAY 3:

Second Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes of this moorland is rewarded by superb views of this wilderness. The vegetation zone ends shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated spectacularly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. After the 4-hour hike, this is where you can acclimatize.

DAY 4:

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Camp (4,750m)

The ascend continues on the east side of Kibo, crossing the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the School Camp at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. After a 5-hour traverse across this alpine desert, this is where you prepare for the final early morning ascent of the summit.

DAY 5:

School Camp to Summit (5,896m) to Horombo Hut Camp (3,720m) This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, which involves an ascent and descent on the same day, requiring up to 15 hours of hiking. The hike starts around midnight, accompanied by flashlights. The trek slowly ascends in the dark on a rocky switchback trail through loose volcanic scree past Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), before continuing onto Gillman's Point (5,681 m) located on the crater rim, for a brief rest. This section is very steep with lots of loose stones, requiring great physical and mental effort.

From Gillman's Point, it is normal to encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5,895m). It is a 3-hour round-trip to the peak, the highest point in Africa. Those who have reached Gillman's Point are issued with green certificates, and those who have reached Uhuru Peak will receive gold certificates.

Weather conditions determine the length of time spent at the peak before the descent to Kibo Hut and onwards to the Horombo Hut where you will rest and recover for the night.

DAY 6:

Horombo Hut Camp (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,980m)

A slow and steady descent of about 5-7 hours takes you through moorland to the Mandara Hut (2,700m), before continuing down through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. At Marangu Gate, you can sign your name and details in the register, and successful climbers will receive their summit certificate here.

Before leaving Kilimanjaro, you can stock up on some local coffee, which is world famous and grown in these lush hillsides.