Upon arrival we will be met by our local guides and transferred to our hotel. Later in the day we will have a climb briefing and the local guides will answer any questions we have about the challenge. We will also do an equipment check with each participant to be sure that we are all fully prepared.

After breakfast we take the transfer to Machame Gate where we register and complete the National Park formalities. It’s here that we will also meet the rest of our Support Crew – the cooks and porters! We start trekking ascending steadily through stunning rainforest, which can be quite muddy and wet underfoot – but it’s a magnificent way to start our challenge.

Trekking distance – approx. 9km/5 – 7 hours

Following breakfast at camp we push on with our ascent. Today is a short day but rather steep and rocky in places. It’s a slow hike with plenty of rests and enough time to acclimatise. We reach Shira Plateau where we will be rewarded with great views of the mountain and if we look back, magnificent views of Mt Meru rising above Arusha Town.

Trekking distance – approx. 5km/5 – 6 hours

We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach before reaching camp. We have spent the day at altitude, but will follow the code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to help you acclimatize to the altitude. 

Trekking distance – approx. 10km/7 – 8 hours

After a good night’s rest, we set off on our walk to Barafu Camp. We start by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night. We have an early dinner and then get some sleep, as we will be woken at 11pm for our summit attempt!

Trekking distance – approx. 8.5km/7 – 8 hours

We aim to leave camp at 12am using our head torches to light the way. If it’s a clear night we may be able to trek using the moonlight which adds to the summit experience. The next 4 hours is spent trekking to Stella Point (5,750m) over scree and rock, but upon reaching Stella Point we will be rewarded with magnificent and spectacular views of the ice cliffs which surround us, and majestic views to the Mawenzi Peaks.

We make regular rest stops now every 15 mins or so to aid our chances of reaching Uhuru peak. It’s a long tough trek and night! We aim to reach the summit by about 6 / 7 am, where we’ll celebrate the New Year!

We then start our long descent via Stella Point and back to Barafu camp where we will enjoy some lunch and a good rest.

Our descent then continues down to Millennium Camp – today is a very long and emotional yet unforgettable day.

Trekking distance – approx 4.5 km/6 – 7 hours to Uhuru Peak and approx 13km/6 – 8 hours to Millennium Camp

 We descend for approximately 6 hours to the Mweka Gate (1,600m), where we complete park formalities and receive our certificates. After lunch we transfer back to our lodge, where we can have a very welcome shower. This journey takes us through beautiful coffee plantations and traditional small villages. In the evening we meet as a group to mark our achievements at our celebratory dinner.

Trekking distance – approx. 13.5km/6 hours

Depending on the flight times we may have some free time to relax at the lodge or go shopping in Moshi before transferring to the airport to catch our flight back to the UK.

After arriving back in the UK, we say our final goodbyes as a group and make our onward journey home.

Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Mountain weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.