Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Safari

Days 1 and 2. Outbound

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha.

Days 3 to 6. Mount Meru

The first stage of the climb to the Miriakamba hut passes through open grassland and dense montane forest. This area is abundant with wildlife and you can expect to encounter monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, warthog and even elephant. Stage two is short but steep, sustained climbing to reach Saddle hut (3570 metres) below Little Meru Peak (3820 metres), which can be climbed in the afternoon. The final stage involves some exhilarating ridge walking along the crater rim to Socialist Peak, the summit of Mount Meru (4566 metres), from where there are fine views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains. After time to admire the view the route is retraced to the Momella gate.

Days 7 to 12. Kilimanjaro

On Kilimanjaro you climb the seldom used but spectacular Shira route, spending an extra day on the Shira plateau at 3700 metres for added acclimatisation. Initially a good trail takes you up through farmland, plantations and forest to the edge of the Shira plateau. Beyond the plateau the route crosses lava ridges below the glaciers of the Western Breach. A descent into the Great Barranco Valley further aids acclimatisation, before the climb up to the highest camp at Barafu. An early evening meal precedes a midnight start for the long ascent that zig-zags up the scree slopes of the cone towards the outer crater rim. Dawn approaches as you near the crater rim at Stella Point (5735 metres). For those who are still feeling strong, a further hour traversing around the crater rim leads to the true summit of Uhuru Peak (5896 metres), passing spectacular snow and ice formations on the summit. You descend via the Mweka route to the south. Finally, weary, but 'floating' on your great achievement, you are transferred to your hotel in Arusha for a well- earned rest.

Days 13 to 15. Safari

A relaxing three day safari now completes the tour. The highlight is a full day in the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for a tremendous selection of East African wildlife. You will also visit Tarangire National Park, famed for its fine baobab trees, where eland, lesser kudu, gazelle, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, impala and elephant are found. Lake Manyara National Park, known for its large herds of Hippo and diverse birdlife can be visited on the return journey.

Days 16 and 17. Homeward

After a free day in Arusha your flight leaves in the evening, returning to the UK on the morning of the following day.