From the forested slopes of Lemosho, you ascend through a podocarpus and juniper forest and then break out onto a zone of heather and lichen-draped volcanic rock and the Shira Plateau, which used to be  Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed.  Lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive at camp mid-afternoon. The view of Kibo (the peak of Kilimanjaro) is breathtaking from this vantage point. Overnight at  Shira 1 Camp. 

 Crossing the Shira Plateau – one of the highest plateaus on Earth – is one of the most scenic parts of this trip during your 3-4 hour hike mid-afternoon across moorland meadows to the lunch point. After lunch you ascend to  Moir camp, arriving in the mid afternoon. If you have the energy, a hike in the late afternoon is possible in the surrounding Lent Hills, which makes this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Overnight at Moir  Hut. 

 From Moir, you traverse the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to a volcanic rock formation known as the Lava Tower. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel) which also features many giant lobelias.  The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. Overnight at Barranco Camp. 

 You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to  Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon.  Our selection of Karanga  Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp. 

 Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening.  Overnight at Barafu Camp. 

 Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reaching the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here,  you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak. Ascending via Stella Point affords a  relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit,  begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful,  rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk.  With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs  will be jelly your heart will be light. Overnight Mweka Camp 

 After breakfast, you descend once again through the montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a  celebratory dinner!