Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Time taken for trekking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Ecosystem: Rain Forest

We leave Moshi and drive to the Londorossi Gate, about 4 hours, where you will handle the park entry formalities. We then drive further to the Lemosho trailhead. When we arrive at the trailhead, we start hiking through unspoiled forest trails to the first campsite.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 Km, 5 Miles
Ecosystem: Heath

We leave the rain forest behind and ascend into heather and tall grasses, with volcanic rock erupting from the earth now dressed in a covering of lichen. Further on, the route continues up an easy slope of green hillside, crossing several streams, to bring us to Shira Ridge and its spectacular views across the plateau. Then, turning west, we descend easily to Shira 1 Camp, where for the first time we can see Kibo above the trees.

Elevation: 3,900 m to 3,960 m
Trek Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Ecosystem: Heath

The day begins with a hike uphill, great panoramic views as you enter into the upland desert climate and across lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You arrive at the important summit of Lava Tower 4,640 m-the highest point of the day and a great lunch spot. In the afternoon, we make a steep descent to reach our overnight camp standing at the foot of the Great Barrico valley at 3, 960m. The camp is sheltered with massive cliffs and looks over the plains.

Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Ecosystem: Alpine Desert

Today we start dropping down into a gorge at the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. We then hike up the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft. cliff. Once atop the Barranco Wall we traverse several hills and valleys to drop down sharply into Karanga Valley. A steep climb from here brings us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter trekking day in preparation for tomorrow's summit day to allow for better acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leaving Karanga, we go to the junction where we meet the Mweka Trail, then from there, we begin the ascent on the rocky path to Barafu Hut. This is the point where the end of the Southern Circuit offers different views of the summit from various angles. We camp here in Barafu Hut, rest, and have an early dinner in preparation for the summit attempt. The view from here includes both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest

Our summit attempt begins very early, around midnight, marking the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. The wind and extreme cold at this altitude and time add to the challenge. We begin our ascent in darkness, pausing frequently along the way. As we approach Stella Point at 18,900 ft., we will be rewarded with spectacular views of sunrise over Mawenzi Peak—the experience is unforgettable. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit, we descend straight down through a rocky trail that is very hard on the knees to Mweka Hut, stopping for lunch at Barafu. Trekking poles are very helpful as the trail is rocky. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest and is often clouded or rainy in the afternoon. It is from here that we have our final dinner on the mountain and a very well-deserved night's sleep.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we proceed to descend to Mweka Gate, where we will find our certificates of ascent. The trail can be quite wet and muddy at these lower elevations. From the gate, it's about an hour's hike to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to our hotel in Moshi.