The Trek

The trek takes place in the last 2 weeks of June 2010. There are several routes towards the summit area - this one is known as the Lemosho route.

Day 1: Travel from the UK to Kenya.

Day 2: Across the border - by plane or bus - to Arusha in Tanzania.

Day 3: Registration at the gates of the National Park, 3-5 hour trek through the rainforest from 1.980m at the gates, to Big Tree Camp at 2,800m.

Day 4: Acclimatisation trek: 7-8 hours near the Shira Crater to the camp site at 3,500m. First views of the summit of Kilimanjaro!

Day 5: 5-6 hours trekking east across the Shira Plateau via Shira Cathedral to camp at around 3,800m.

Day 6: Crossing the Southern Flank, today's trek will take the group to about 4,500m before camping at Barranco at 3,900m - hopefully starting to acclimatise now! 7-10 hours walking.

Day 7: A slightly shorter trek to Karanga Camp at 3,900m, but time in the afternoon to keep walking and acclimatising.

Day 8: A tough trek of 3-5 hours to Barafu Ridge at 4,600m. Early to bed!

Day 9: The Big Day (or Night)! Out of the sleeping bag about midnight to trek up the frozen scree to Stella Point (5,750m) and then Uhuru Point and the summit at 5,895m. Having ascended 1,295m, there is then a descent of 2,145m - 12-15 hours walking all together! Night at the Millennium Camp.

Day 10: Back into the rainforest along the path to Mweka Gate. On to a hotel and shower!

Day 11: Transfer back to Nairobi and then home on Day 12.

AGED 16
WITH
CANCER.