Arrive at Airport at 9:00am. Depart Johannesburg Kenya Airways KQ 461 (11:50). Arrive in Nairobi (16:50). Depart KQ 416 (21:30). Arrive in Entebbe (Kampala) (22:35). Overnight.

Early start for Kasese, a seven hour drive on tar roads. Check in to Saad Hotel, at the foot of the Ruwenzoris. Climb briefing, Final Equipment Check. Bed and breakfast.

DAY 3- 6 October (10 km, 4-5 Hours, 1000m Ascent)

After breakfast, depart for the roadhead where porters are allocated, loads distributed, etc. The initial part of the trail passes through Bakonjo farms, before climbing steeply to Nyabitaba Hut at 2 650 metres, set in a forested ridge with good views of Portal Peaks and Mubuku Valley.

DAY 4 - 7 October (7km, 5-6 Hours, 700m Ascent)

After crossing the Bujuku/Mubuku River, we ascend to John Matte hut, situated in a grove of giant heather at 3 415 metres.

DAY 5 - 8 October (6km, 5-6 Hours, 630m Ascent)

Across the Bigo Bog, The shores are muddy, the last obstacle before Bujuku Hut

(3 963 m). Excellent views of Mt. Baker if clear.

DAY 6 - 9 October (5km, 4-5 Hours, 600m Ascent

Ascend to Elana Hut, 4 543 metres. Preparations for summit day)

DAY 7- 10 October (9 km, 10 Hours, 600m Ascent, 900m Descent)

Ascent of Margherita/ (Mount Stanley), the summit of the highest range in Africa, and third highest peak in Africa, 5 109 metres. In order to take advantage of the usually mist free mornings, we make an early start. Crampons and ice axes are essential, and we will be roped together for the glacier crossing. The route taken to the peak depends on local conditions. On clear mornings all the major peaks may be seen, as well as the Zaire rain forest 3 000 m below to the west. On the return the hut is normally reached by midday, and after a welcome tea break, we descend to Kitandara Hut. The lower of the two Kitandara lakes is one of the most beautiful locations on the Ruwenzori, with the Savoia Ridge always on the skyline.

DAY 8 - 11 October (5km, 5-6 Hours, 250m Ascent, 830m Descent)

A steep climb over the Freshfield Pass, before descending to Guy Yeoman Hut, set in the giant heather zone at 3 506 m.

DAY 9 - 12 October (6km 4-5 Hours, 800m Descent)

A long walk today! A steep descent through the bamboo zone, to Nyabitaba Hut, then to the roadhead where the vehicle awaits. Overnight at Saad Hotel, where you can start with a cold beer or a hot bath or both!! Bed and breakfast.

DAY 10 - 13 October

Late return to Entebbe for overnight, bed and breakfast.

DAY 11 - 14 October (Saturday)

Depart Entebbe KQ 411 (9:50). Arrive in Nairobi (10:55). We spend time in Nairobi before departing at 14:00 and crossing the border into Tanzania, and travelling to Moshi via Arusha. (Meet up with Kilimanjaro trekking party). Overnight at Keys Hotel on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Climb Briefing.

DAY 12 - 15 October (10 km, 5-7 hours, 1200m Ascent)

Driven to Park Gate (Machame). A Good walk through the spectacular forest will bring you to Machame Hut at 3 000metres. Overnight camping.

DAY 13 - 16 October (6km, 5-7 Hours, 840m Ascent)

Ascend to Shira Hut, 3 800 metres. A short descent from Machame Hut followed by an hour or so of hard uphill to the top of the forest, then 2 hours at a more gentle angle through the lower moorlands brings one to the top of a rocky bluff. From here, descend 50 feet then start traversing westwards, up towards Shira Cathedral. Overnight camping.

DAY 14 - 17 October (10km, 5-7 Hours, 110m Ascent)

Continue up, past Lava Tower, the Western Breach, and "Bones Junction", to Barranco Hut, a long and tiring day. Overnight camping

Day 15 - 18 October (8km, 8-9 Hours, 650m Ascent)

From Barranco Hut, continue to Karana Valley, where water must be collected for the remainder of the day as well as the following day (7 Litres/ person). Excellent views of Kibo, Continue on to Barafu Hut (4600m). Summit preparations

DAY 16 - 19 October (5km, 6-7 hours, 1300m Ascent; 12 km, 5-7 Hours, 2800m Descent)

Early attempt on summit. We will wake up at approximately 01h00 for our final ascent. Dress warmly, and we will proceed up a fairly steep route to the crater rim, and then across the crater floor and up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), from the inside. It’s a very long day - reaching the peak in the early morning light, and then descending during the day arriving at Mweka hut (3100m) late afternoon. Overnight camping - Mweka.

DAY 17 - 20 October (10km, 4 hours, 1600m Descent)

Descend to Mweka Park Gate, steady downhill walk. Met and transferred to the Keys Hotel for overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Shuttle bus back across the border to Nairobi. Overnight B&B.

Shuttle bus across border into Kenya and on to Naro Moru River Lodge. Climb Briefing. Special discussion on Final stage climb.

The morning is spent organizing personal climbing equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the Naro Moru River Lodge. In the afternoon drive to the Met Station and overnight. Afternoon walk in the forest - chance of seeing game and forest birds. We can alternatively begin Kenya a day early. The trip to the Met Station can also be walked, not driven (10km, 3-4 hours, 1000m Ascent). Equipment requirements as per our kit lists. Special Attention to be paid to climbing gear.

DAY 21 - 24 October (10km 5-6 Hours, 1150m Ascent)

Ascend the Naro Moru Route to Mackinders Camp (4200m). Overnight.

DAY 22 - 25 October (4km, 4-5 Hours, 785m Ascent)

To Austrian Hut, overnight. Attempt Point Lenana (4985m).

Further night at Austrian Hut - time to acclimatise.

DAY 24 - 27 October (Climbing)

Cross Lewis Glacier, ascend Nelion (5188m). Overnight on top.

DAY 25 - 28 October (Climbing)

Extra day for climbing either Nelion, Batian, as is needed

DAY 26 - 29 October (Climbing)

Ascend Batian (5199m), abseil to bottom. Overnight Austrian Hut or if early, descend to Mintos Hut (12 000 feet).

Descend to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas (3000m). Overnight here - cold beers, hot showers and fireplaces in the rooms !!!

Early start for Nairobi. We have an extra day to spend in Nairobi, Unless we have taken a day longer on Mt Kenya. Leisure day. Dinner, bed and breakfast.

Depart Nairobi Kenya Airways KQ 460 (7:55). Arrive in Johannesburg (11:00)