Day 1

So, in the gloom of night and the artificial glow of Heathrow's Terminal 4 we gathered. The doctor, the gardener, the electrician, the prison officer, the salesman, the student, the father, the grandmother and all. Our journey starts here, but for many it started months or even years ago with a dream or ambition, a simple thought or a determination to change the way we view and are viewed in the world. Whatever lies in store over these next ten days or so, new friendships will be forged, demons will be faced and ginger tea will be drunk!

Following is our itinerary... I hope you enjoy the adventure with us!

Simon

Friday 5th February:
Meet at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 in front of the KLM desk at 04.00 for check in.
Travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Amsterdam.
Arrive JRO at 21.30
Arrive Impala Hotel, Moshi approx 23.00.

Saturday 6th February:
After breakfast spend a relaxing day around the Hotel and visit Moshi Town for souvenir shopping.

Sunday 7th February, Climb Day 1:
Machame Gate (1,634m/5,363ft) to Machame Camp (2,834m/9,300ft)
Approximate Distance: 10km/6.2miles
Elevation change: 1,200m/3,937ft.
After breakfast 4x4 drive to Machame Gate to secure permit papers and meet up with portering party.
Start the climb from Machame Gate to Machame Camp, approx 5 to 6 hours walk in Rainforest, stopping for lunch along the way. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.

Monday 8th February, Climb Day 2:
Machame Camp (2,834m/9,300ft) to Shira Camp (3,749m/12,300ft)
Approximate Distance: 6km/3.8miles
Elevation change: 800m/3,000ft.
After breakfast walk to on to Shira Camp, approx 4 to 5 hours walk in weak forest and Moorland. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Tuesday 9th February, Climb Day 3:
Shira Camp (3,749m/12,300ft) to Barranco Camp (3,901m/12,800ft)
Approximate Distance: 8km/5.3miles
Elevation change: 100m/328ft.
During the day we will climb to the Lava Tower at 4,600m
After breakfast walk to Barranco Camp, approx 7 hours in Moorland and Alpine Desert. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Wednesday 10th February, Climb Day 4:
Barranco Camp (3,901m/12,880ft) to Karanga Valley (3,963m/13,000ft)
Approximate Distance: 4km/2.5miles
Elevation Change: 100m/328ft
After breakfast walk to Karanga Camp, approx 3 hours, with views of all the big glaciers of the Southern Circuit, the sugar cane plantations and Lake Nyumba ya Mungu. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Thursday 11th February, Climb Day 5:
Karanga Valley (3,963m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091ft)
Approximate Distance: 4km/2.5miles
Elevation Change: 600m/1,968ft
After breakfast hike up to Barafu Camp, approx 3 hours with views of Mawenzi Peak. Lunch, dinner and early rest at Barafu Camp.

Friday 12th February, Climb Day 6: Summit Climb!
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,343ft)
Approximate Distance: 5km/3.2miles
Elevation Change: 1,300m/4,265ft
To be followed by the descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Approximate Distance: 12km/7.5miles
Elevation Change: ‐2,800m/‐9,186ft
Wake around midnight for light breakfast before beginning ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. Time for a short celebration and photographs at Uhuru Peak before the descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch. After lunch and a short rest continue on down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stop.

Saturday 13th February, Climb Day 7:
Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,828m/6000ft)
Approximate Distance: 10km/6.2miles
Elevation Change: ‐1,250m/‐4101ft
After breakfast walk down to Mweka Gate to catch transport back to Impala Hotel. Lunch, dinner and overnight celebrations at the Impala Hotel.

Sunday 14th February:
After breakfast, drive to Monduli Juu via Monduli Town. At Monduli Juu visit the Maasai Bomas to observe their cattle and dairy farming activities. Camping overnight with the Maasai at Norkumat Camp site where the Maasai warriors and women will perform their dance, and prepare a traditional BBQ dinner. Overnight at Norkumat Camp.

Monday 15th February:
After an early morning breakfast travel to Tarangire National Park for a full day's Game Drive.
Finally travel back to Arusha and on to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the flights back to the UK.

Depart JRO 22.35
Arrive Amsterdam 08.10 on Tuesday 16th February.
Tuesday 16th February:
Depart Amsterdam 10.25
Arrive LHR 10.50

Make our way home with some wonderful memories!