Good preparation and advice, as well as good guides on the mountain, have given us an over 95% success rate (the average is 60%) - this type of thing is a "once in a lifetime " challenge, and must not be taken lightly. We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts - medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel - possibly the reason for our success rate.

Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The youngest to make it was nine years old - the oldest seventy-nine.

While thousands of people scramble to the top of Kilimanjaro each year, there are some extremely severe climbs available to the experienced mountaineer. There are several principal hiking routes up the mountain: Marangu, Shira, Londorossi, Umbwe, Rongai and Machame. The Shira plateau can be reached with a four-wheel drive vehicle up to 4 000 meters. These routes are marked and provided with simple bivouac huts and water, we choose to camp on all of these routes (except Marangu which offers communal huts).

Rongai Route Itinerary:

This route begins on the Northern side of the mountain and is the least traveled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but the rewards are the fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers. The Kilimanjaro National Park authorities rule is that the descent must be via Marangu Route, which is the most popular route on the mountain.

All your supplies and camping equipment is portered up for you (tents, 25-mm sleeping mats, awnings, stools, lights, etc), and your meals are prepared. Your personal baggage limit is 12 kg for the climb. South African tents and sleeping mattresses are supplied on this trip.

The Keys Hotel, your base hotel, is located in Moshi and is the best hotel in town. It has a swimming pool, indoor bar and garden area, patio, restaurant and M-Net television coverage. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and have just been refurbished. Showers are en-suite with hot/cold water. The staff are very friendly and 'nothing is too much trouble'.

The guides employed are excellent (some have climbed Kili over 400 times!) They are employed by the Keys Hotel and have looked after a multitude of our clients. Each trip is led by a senior guide, with other guides in a ratio of approximately one guide per 2 or 3 climbers - if you are a bit slower than the rest or get ill and have to descend, a guide will always be with you. Food served on the mountain is generally tasty and wholesome, including a lot of carbohydrates and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians are catered for, but please notify us in advance.

Note: Continental breakfast means pastries, yoghurt, fruits etc, if you order a cooked breakfast there will be a small additional charge payable at the hotel.

Health Requirements - Please note you will need a Yellow Fever inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of liver disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.

Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have sufficient medical cover for the duration of your trip and in particular to cover you while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.

Tips - These are considered to be compulsory for all attempting Kilimanjaro, it has become a tradition! Please budget at least USD 90-110 for this six-day camping hike - per guest - which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated!

Visas - Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Please note that rates are subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstance.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - When travelling (flying), we strongly suggest you wear / carry on you, your boots, wet weather gear and cameras - these are crucial for your climb, and you do not want to risk loosing them in the hold. Make sure you have your yellow fever certificate with you - whilst it probably wont be asked for on arrival in Tanzania, when you return home it may be requested. Arrive at the Keys Hotel in Moshi, by shuttle / transfer. Overnight, with bed and continental breakfast included. Climb briefing. If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel this evening. Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel - they will lock them up for you. Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Leave some 'bin bags' in an outer pocket of your bag, and show the porters where they are so that in case of rain they can quickly cover your bag. Keep one out for your personal backpack too! Liaise with staff at reception, and leave them your air tickets to be reconfirmed during your climb. It is your responsibility to ensure that flights are reconfirmed, as any schedule changes will be advised at that time.

Day 2 - Today we transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, where you will check in and begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro. The day's climb takes you up to the first cave en route, which is at 1,800m. The climb will take about 2 - 3 hours. This part of the climb takes you through the Cultivation Area of the mountain, where you can see how local farmers tend to their lands on the side of the mountain.

Day 3 - Early in the morning, you will begin trekking out past the second cave, and on to the 3rd cave. This is at an altitude of 3,800m and will take you about 6-7 hours. The climb today is relatively difficult, taking you through the forest and well in to the Moorland. After this long climb, you will stay in tents at the cave, where food will be prepared for you before your evening's sleep.

Day 4 - Today you continue ascending to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, which stands at 4,330m and takes about 7 hours to get there. Dinner and camp.

Day 5 - Depart for Kibo hut, which will take you 4-5 hours to get to your camp for the night. The camp is at an altitude of 4,730m. Here you will need to rest early as the next days trek starts just after midnight. The evening will be spent at Kibo Hut, where you will stay in the hut.

Day 6 - This is your most difficult day's climb, beginning very early and takes you up the steep point of Gillman's Point (5,681m). From here you will trek on to the crater rim where you should see the sun rise. This part of the journey should take about 7 - 8 hours. Thereafter you will continue on to Uhuru Peak (5,896mm) and then begin your descent back to Horombo Hut. This part should take about 4 - 7 hours, depending on how tired you are. Here you will stay in the hut, and enjoy a well-deserved meal before retiring.

Day 7 - The last day of your climb, or should we say descent at this stage. The journey back to the park gate will take in the region of 5 - 6 hours. Here you will be met and head back to the Keys Hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 8 - After breakfast you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.