Elevation: 15,331 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 18.0 km

Hiking Time: 13-14 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,000 ft

Distance: 5.0 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern ciruit train until we reach another sceneic location of Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,091 ft

Distance: 4.0 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Arctic

The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6.0 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft

Distance: 7.0 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8.0 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10.0 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11.0 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.