Peter Swan has negotiated a really good deal with a company in Tanzania that specialises in Kilimanjaro treks, and has booked an eight-day expedition in January using the Rongai Route. There may be spaces still available to join Peter’s group, so get in touch with him if you are interested: meserani@hotmail.co.uk

The itinerary is shown below.

8 January: Overnight accommodation at the Springlands Hotel, Moshi.

9 January: Breakfast at the Springlands Hotel. Picked up and transferred to Rongai, Nalemoru Gate, then hike to Simba Camp (3-4 hours).

10 January: Hike from Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (5-6 hours).

11 January: Hike from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (3-4 hours).

12 January: Acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

13 January: Hike from Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut (4-5 hours).

14 January: Hike from Kibo Hut to Kilimanjaro summit, then down to Horombo Hut. (12-14 hours).

15 January:  Hike from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (5-6 Hours).

The cost is about £950 depending on exchange rates – this includes everything for the trek, and is a very competitive price. The only specialist equipment you will need to provide is a sleeping bag. You will be camping each night (apart from the first night at the Springlands Hotel), and all the camping and cooking equipment is carried by porters, as well as 15 Kg. of your own personal equipment. You will be accompanied by a guide, and there will be porters and cooks who set up your tent, and cook all your meals.

The complicated bit is getting there! However, if you stay at Meserani Snakepark with Peter, then he can arrange a lift to the Springlands Hotel on the first day, and a lift back to Meserani Snakepark at the end of the trek, and this will cost very little (less than £30). To get to Meserani Snakepark, Peter can sort out transport from Nairobi Airport for less than £15 each way. Flights to Nairobi Airport in January are currently £467 return (from Manchester with Turkish Airlines), or £613 return (from Durham Tees Valley with KLM). Of course, you could extend your itinerary by spending a few days at Meserani Snakepark (Peter will be there), or even going on a safari to the Serengeti, Tarangire, or the Ngorongoro Creter.