We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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 rst glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 2,895m/9,498ft to 3,505m/11,500ft

Hiking time: 5-6 hrs

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Habitat: Heath

Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the

highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows

towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a

lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are

available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.

Elevation: 2,895m/9,498ft to 3,505m/11,500ft

Hiking time: 5-6 hrs

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Habitat: Heath

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 extremely benecial for

acclimatization.

Elevation: 4,206m/13,800ft to 4,629m/15,190ft

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Habitat: Alpine desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great

Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly

900ft, cli. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approxi-

mately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often

place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop

and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly

as intimidating as it looked.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until

we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us

to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at

the summit.

Elevation: 3,963m/13,044ft to 3,994m/3,106ft

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Habitat: Alpine desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have

completed the Southern Circuit, which oers views of the summit from many

different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to

prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible

from this position.

Elevation: 3,994m/3,106ft to 4,672m/15,331ft

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Habitat: Alpine desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight on Christmas day), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.

At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We

ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short

breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most

magnificent Christmas 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. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your

tremendous accomplishment. You’ll have the opportunity to take a

few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.

Elevation: 4670m/ 15,331 ft to 5895m/19,341 ft

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Distance: 5 km /3 miles

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the

Mweka Hut campsite, 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 will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain

and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft

Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Habitat: Rain forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be

met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi. Here, we

can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we

wait to receive our summit certicates. 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: 3,067m/10,065ft to 1,639m/5,380ft

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Habitat: Rain forest