Elevation (ft.): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

 The route that leaves the forest and reaches a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered in lichen beards is where we continue to travel on Mount Kilimanjaro. We hike through the beautiful, rolling hills, crossing several streams, till we reach the Shira Ridge, then gradually drop to Shira 1 camp. A stunning view of Kibo from the other side of the plateau

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

We spent the entire day exploring the Shira plateau. Shira 2 camp is located in moorland meadows near a stream and is reached after a leisurely stroll east toward Kibo's glaciated peak over the plateau. We next proceed to Moir Hut, a remote location at the foot of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a wide range of walks, making this a fantastic chance to acclimatize. One of the highest plateaus on earth is Shira.

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau along a hill, past the intersection that leads to Kibo's peak. As we go on, our course shifts to the south-east, in the direction of the "Shark's Tooth" lava tower. We reach the second junction, which leads us to the Arrow Glacier at a height of 16,000 feet, shortly after passing the tower. Moving on, we descend to the Barranco Hut, which is 13,000 feet above sea level. We take a nap, eat dinner, and spend the night here. Despite the fact that you start and end the day at the same altitude, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body get ready for summit day.

Elevation (ft.): 13,000ft to 15,000ft

Distance: 9km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we depart Barranco and make our way to the Karanga Valley campground through a rocky slope, passing the Barranco Wall. After that, we leave Karanga and arrive at the intersection where the Mweka Trail joins. We keep going up to Barafu Hut. You have now finished the South Circuit, which offers a variety of perspectives on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. We set up camp here, take a nap, eat dinner, and get ready for the summit day. From here, one can see Mawenzi and Kibo, the two summits.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

We hike to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers quite early in the morning. You travel northwest and make your way over steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the hardest part of the hike, both physically and mentally.

You will take a brief break at Stella Point (18,600 feet), where you will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). On your hour-long hike to the summit from Stella Point, you might run into snow the entire way. You have arrived at Uhuru Peak, the highest peak on both Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The sunrise can be seen from the peak by more rapid hikers.
We now begin our descent from the summit, going straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite while pausing at Barafu for lunch. Due to the loose gravel going down, gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Due to its location in the upper forest, Mweka Camp may experience late-afternoon mist or rain. We have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening before a well-earned rest.

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates after breakfast. It could be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Climbing poles and gaiters will be useful. Most likely, shorts and t-shirts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing on hand).
You travel another hour to Mweka Village from the gate. You will be met by a car at the village of Mweka and driven back to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport on your departure day.