• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 18 km, Hiking Time 10 hours, Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the path that leaves the forest and enters a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rocks with lichen beards. Ascending through lush hills and crossing several streams, we reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira I Camp. The views of Kibo Peak from the other side of the Shira Plateau are incredible. From here it is a gentle trek east to Kibo Glacier peak, across the Shira Plateau to Shira II Camp on moorland meadows along a creek.

• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 8 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge past the junction to Kibo Peak. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast to the lava tower, called "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower we reach the second crossroads, which leads us to the Pfeilgletscher. We now continue to the Barranco Refuge. Here we rest, enjoy dinner and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same altitude as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization to and helps your body prepare for summit day at Uhuru Peak.

• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 11km, Hiking Time: 9 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then we leave Karanga and reach the turnoff that leads to the Mweka Trail. Continue to Barafu Hut. At this point you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we camp, rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From this position, the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen.

• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 6 km ascent / 13 km descent, Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent/ 7 hours descent, Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight) we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwest and climb through dense boulders towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point, you'll take a short break and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you've ever seen. You can find snow at Stella Point during your 1 hour climb to the summit of Mt Uhuru. In Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. If all goes well, you can see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit we now make our descent directly to Mweka Hut Camp and stop at Barafu Camp for lunch. You will need gaiters and hiking poles for the loose gravel that comes down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper part of the forest and fog or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.

• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast we continue the descent to the gate of Mweka Park to receive your summit certificates for Kilimanjaro. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. From Mweka Gate, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.