Regardless of route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On typical Marangu route climb, you spend four nights up mountain. The route is clearly marked right to summit. You start by trekking through forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft). Then through alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for summit just after midnight. You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On Machame route, you spend one night more on mountain. You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut. After tackling summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On next day, you rejoin other mortals at base of mountain. You are advised to pick route that best fits your experience. Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak - highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman's Point, slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach summit. Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses climb, minus altitude of course. Think also of putting in some aerobic training at gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a Kilimanjaro climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers - Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on mountain. In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include - waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes. You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout year. But it is obviously less fun during March to June period when it rains most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry - January, February and September. July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to variation of conditions along route- from tropic to arctic - it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March. At mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and New Year to find them up mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot. The best way to relax after trek is by taking a Tanzania safari in unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries in north of country or by heading for beaches of Zanzibar. I have also written short features on these attractions.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili are northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha.

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The Garden Route tour usually starts from Cape Town with a stop at Mossel Bay. This otherwise uninspiring town is famous for its Post Office Tree, where sailors would leave letters hanging in a boot to be picked up by those headed towards country where letters were addressed. Then to Oudtshoorn and George, a transport hub for area.

Afterwards, Wilderness National Park a good place for birding and canoeing on your way to artist colony of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay, "millionaires' playground" is South Africa's trendiest resort. Then to Tsitsikamma National Park known for its nature trails, giant trees and caves. A little ahead of Humansdorp is Jeffrey's Bay, reputed to have one of world's best surfing beaches.

Water sports are big in South Africa. Whale watching and shark-cage diving (with great white sharks) is possible in Cape area. The best time to spot these sea giants is from June to September. In last week of September annual Whale Festival is held at Walker Bay. Diving facilities are good in area and wreck diving in particular is widespread around Cape. For fishing enthusiasts, Cape of Good Hope has one world's richest fishing grounds.

At confluence of Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents is to be found large shoals of tuna and swordfish. For those brave souls seeking hair-raising adventure, there is an excellent opportunity for bungee jumping at bridge over Blaukrans River. This has one of world's highest drops.

There are also many beautiful golf courses in Cape Town and Garden Route area. The best time to play is cooler months of May to September. The President's Cup of 2003 was held at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club at George right on Garden Route. This event is a match play competition with world's best international players.

The best period to visit Cape region is over summer months November-February. The rest of year is usually cool, rainy and windy. Most people then find it quite challenging to engage in swimming and water sports. There is a wide range of hotels in Cape Town and Garden Route area. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout region. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout region.

Other accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, farm holidays, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. The Cape region is now a much sought after destination and advance booking is necessary during summer season (October-April). With prior planning it is possible to get good value and affordable holiday stay.

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