Few trails take you through five different ecosystems, but a climb up the tallest mountain in Africa does just that. Head to Tanzania for a 7-night land-only Mount Kilimanjaro trek-and-stay for £999 per person, with the services of a local guide, cook and porters to help along the way.

G Adventures has discounted two packages by £300. They both include:

• 2-night stay at the Springlands Hotel
• 5-night guided group trek (maximum 12 people) up Mount Kilimanjaro along the Machame or Rongai route
• Seven breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners
• 5-night full-service alpine camping experience
• Private minibus transfers

The trips start in Moshi, Tanzania, with an overnight stay at the Springlands Hotel. Next, drive to the Machame or Rongai gate of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park for a hike through rainforest to the first camp -- watch out for black-and-white colobus monkeys. Over the next four days, you'll trek along alpine moorland, rocky terrain and ice fields; highlights include the Great Barranco Valley, Heim Glacier and a view of the sunrise from snow-covered Stella Point.

Finish with a 3-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This is the moment when the 5895-metre altitude and temperatures of -23°C will be worth it! After descending to Mweka Gate or Marangu Gate (depending on which route you've taken), travel to Moshi for a final overnight stay at the Springlands Hotel.

The trek along the Machame route departs on 12 November; 3, 10, 17, 23 December; the Rongai route trek departs on 7, 28 December.

Update (2:39pm, 5 November): Due to popular demand, 3, 28 December dates are no longer available.  

Flights and transfers are not included, but we found flights to Kilimanjaro from London Gatwick for £449, return, with Turkish Airlines over this travel period. Click here to search for flights with Fly.com.

Availability on some dates is limited.