Depart OR Tambo International Airport and arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport at approximately 20h45. Transfer to the hotel in Moshi.

Keep an eye on this page for updates and comments from the climbers.

Today is a long and tiring day, but essential to acclimatisation. The climbers start off at 3800m, walk up to 4500m (skirting just below Lava Tower) and drop back down to 3900m at Barranco Camp. The route takes the climbers up a ridge, straight towards the cone of Kibo, with good views of the ice fields on the western side of the mountain. There could be great differences in the weather here, especially if the clouds start blowing in. On parts of the route toward Lava Tower it looks like a lunar landscape, with nothing but dust and huge round lava rocks. From Lava Tower there are a few steep downhill sections, especially to get back down to Barranco. The night temperature is cold with night frosts especially if the wind drops down from the peak over the glaciers. There will be a magnificent view of Kibo from camp and the Umbwe Valley below.
Cellphone coverage is almost non-existent, but we received word from the climbers this morning. "Conditions have been very difficult over the past few days. It's bitterly cold, with non-stop driving rain and harsh wind. Morale is high though!"
We recieved this sms from Bruce: "Third night on Kilimanjro at Lava Tower at 4600m. This route is not a piece of cake by any means. We've been walking 6-8 hours a day and gaining a kilometre in height per day. It is snowing and very very cold."

The first obstacle this morning is a steep and rocky ridge known as the Barranco or Breach Wall.  It looks like a sheer rock face but there is a relatively easy pathway that meanders up it. It should take about 3 hours to overcome this obstacle but climbers are rewarded with a well-earned rest and spectacular views of Kibo.  The route continues eastwards before descending sharply into the Karanga Valley.   There is a short, but steep ascent out of the valley and camp should be reached after approximately 5 hours of walking.  Climbers may experience headaches, nausea and breathing problems.  Night temperature – cold!
sms from Bruce:
"Unbelievably difficult last two days. Barranco wall today was a 300m almost vertical climb which took over 3 hours. We sleep tonight 700m below last night's Lava Tower at below freezing. Tomorrow a 1000m ascent then the final 1300m push at midnight. Could this be madness? "

The route continues across to Barafu Hut (4 600m), approximately 5 hours walking.   From Karanga Valley the climbers ascend up sections of scree and rock – a relatively hard day of walking at relatively high altitude. On the way they will see shale rock – some of it paper-thin. There is a steep ascent to the camp of Barafu where the climbers will be able to rest for the whole afternoon, acclimatising and gathering strength for the summit.  Climbers are advised to walk at their own, most comfortable speed.  Expected weather: very cold with sleet.  Climbers will be walking through the cloud and will most likely be suffering from a severe headache.  Tomorrow will be a long, tough day. 
sms from Bruce:
"Reached Barafu camp after a 1000m uphill climb. Time is 1.00pm. Afternoon forced sleep, dinner and leave at 11:00pm for the 7-8 hour climb to Uhuru point at 5895m. Tell you tomorrow how it went"

As mentioned previously, today is a very long and strenuous day.  Climbers are advised to drink plenty of fluid before they start and to carry at least 3 litres of fluid with them.They will be woken at about 00h30 or 01h00 with tea and a biscuit and advised to put on all their clothing ready for the final ascent. The climb begins up scree for approximately 4-5 hours. The guide will stop frequently to rest and check on his group.  Because of the slowness of the walk, fingers and toes are likely to get extremely cold - three pairs of socks should be considered for today and two pairs of gloves (inner and warm outer).  The views from the mountain (on the way up) are spectacular. Arrive at Stella Point (5 750m), just at the top of the crater and have a rest - the sun should be shining! From here the route continues on around the crater rim to Uhuru peak (5 895m), the highest point in Africa.Descend from Stella to Barafu. Rest here, maybe a short sleep and something to eat, before continuing down the Mweka Route. Climbers gasp in more oxygen with every step on the descent down the scree.  This is a long descent, and Millenium Camp always seems to be on the 'next hill' - never arriving.  Arrive Millenium (3 600m), late afternoon, in the heather zone, overnight camping.  Time to reflect on the day’s achievements.
9:30am: They made it!! We have just received the news that the climbers have reached the summit of the tallest free-standing mountain on earth. Watch this space for more updates on today's conquest.
1:40pm: sms from Bruce: "Summited at 9:00am today. Climb up was 11 hours, 8 in darkness, 4 snowing. Down another 4 hours. More news later."

A four to five hour descent today.  The climbers will descend through the last of the heather zone before they arrive at Mweka Camp on the edge of the rainforest.  Here they will sign the register before continuing the descent through the rainforest to the Park Gate at Mweka, where the vehicle will meet them.   Transfer by vehicle to the hotel (approximately 45 minutes drive) ready for an evening of celebration by the swimming pool.