In order to give participants the best chance of summitting and dramatically reducing the incidences of altitude sickness, ATD have created an itinerary taking 7 days to summit - most operators offer 4.  We also take a minimum of 1 fully trained UK doctor with expedition and altitude experience, full high altitude medical kit and oxygen, an experienced UK mountain leader in addition to the local team.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, made up of 3 volcanoes, Kibo (5896m), Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (3962m), all of which have been lying dormant for centuries.

Above all other walking routes, Rongai retains a true sense of wilderness. The benefits of the route are that there are usually less hikers (usually one-tenth that of Machame) and it is generally considered to be one of the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain.

Upon reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, we will descend along the wide paths of the Marangu trail (otherwise known as the Coca-Cola Route). This is definitely the best choice for climbers looking for a quality Kilimanjaro experience with the least chance of difficulties.

Read an article by a recent Kilimanjaro Charity Trekker.

If you require any further information on climbing Kilimanjaro please contact Claire.

• Day 1- UK to Kilimanjaro.
• Day 2 - Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi for a full expedition briefing.
• Day 3 - Transfer to Naru Moru village (1980m) where the trekking starts.
• Day 4 - Today we ascend to the Second Cave where there are impressive views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the rim of the crater. In the afternoon we take an acclimatisation walk, but camp back at the Second Cave.
• Day 5 - Today we walk up to the Third Cave, and again have an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Tonight's camp (at the Third Cave) will be at 3900m.
• Day 6 - Today is a rest day to acclimatise to the increased altitude. We can take a short walk up to 4290m before descending back to camp.
• Day 7 - Today we hike up to Kibo Hut where we stop for lunch before descending back to camp.
• Day 8 - We will cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. We stop at Kibo Hut to have an early dinner and final briefing, and then off to bed to get as much sleep as possible before our midnight departure.
• Day 9 - We commence the final trek in the moonlight up to Gilman's Point. From here it's 2 hours on to the highest point in Africa - Uhuru Peak.
• Day 10 - We continue our descent to Marangu Gate where we pick up our transport back to Arusha.
• Day 11 - 12 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for flight back to the UK

Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a wonderful experience, one I will cherish in my memory forever.

An amazing once in a lifetime adventure, with cool people all working together to achieve something spectacular. ATD were great leaders. An experience that will be hard to beat.