Albert H.
Google
Amazing experience climbing the volcano. Trail is well defined and easy to follow.
I did the hike on my own, it is absolutely doable, not as hard as I expected based on previous reviews. It is demanding, as it starts going up and it doesn't stop until you reach the top, with an average gradient of 20% (this changes from section to section)
You're approximately the easy section (well defined path) for about 5.5 kms, thereafter, the difficult part through the rocks begins, where you cannot just walk through, but have to somewhat climb through it, that part kast about 1 km but is the part that takes the longest compared to the rest of the hike.
Thereafter you're already close to the summit and it's only a breathtaking walk through the crater, which is easy, but sure footage is still required.
I had no guide, but registration and fee is required.
With good fitness, the hike to the summit took me about 3-3:30 hours and then a couple of hours down.
The going down is quiet taxing on the knees.
The entire hike is very much worth it and when you reach the summit it is just amazing. An overwhelming experience that makes you feel connected to the world and very much at peace.
If you plan on camping in between, there are plenty of possible camping sites throughout the climb.