Forest Camp to Shira One Camp.

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

Distance: 8 km.

Hiking Time 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full Board at Shira One Camp

We quickly leave the forest behind and move onto the area of enormous heather-covered moorland. To get to the rim of the Shira Plateau, the trail progressively ascends Mount Kilimanjaro while providing expansive vistas. Particularly if afternoon mists roll in, there is a real sense of remoteness. At Shira One, we set up camp on the plateau's middle (11,500 ft).

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut.

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

Distance: 14 km.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full Board at Shira 2 camp.

We spent the entire day hiking 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. Then, we could proceed to Moir Hut, a rarely visited location at the base of Lent Hills, or stay in Shira 2 Camp. Lent Hills offers a wide range of treks, making this a fantastic chance to acclimatize.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco.

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

Distance: 7 km.

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Semi Desert.

Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp

A climb on lava slopes beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach, leaving the moorland plateau behind, ushers in a morning of moderate ascent and expansive views. Before descending to the Barranco Valley's bottom to pitch camp at Barranco Camp (12,790 feet), which is protected by steep rocks and has vast views of the plain, we pause for lunch close to the Lava Tower (14,900 feet).

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

Elevation (ft.): 13,000ft to 13,100ft.

Distance: 5km.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full Board at Karanga Camp.

After a difficult climb up the Barranco Wall, which provides amazing views of the Southern Ice Fields, we arrive at an undulating trail on Mount Kilimanjaro's south-east face. The final water source before the summit, Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), is only a short distance away. Here, the terrain changes to scree with pockets of lush vegetation in protected hollows.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft.

Distance: 4 km.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp.

To get to the Barafu Hut (14,800 ft), where we will have lunch, we continue a simple walk over compacted scree with expansive views. The plateau is accessible after a brief acclimatisation hike from the southeast valley's bottom. Resting up for the final ascent in the morning takes up the rest of the day.

Barafu Camp to Crater camp.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft.

Distance: 6 km ascent / 12 km descent.

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

Habitat: Arctic.

Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.

Your hiking choice allows you to ascend to Kibo crater during the day, in contrast to alternative routes that require a nighttime ascent. While progress is sluggish, your climb team's steady encouragement helps you reach Kibo's rim before descending a short distance into the caldera to reach Crater Camp. The afternoon is a relaxed time, and you can go on quick hikes with one of your guides.

You now have the shortest final summit bid of any route after spending the night in the crater. The top is only around an hour's climb from the crater, making it considerably simpler and more dramatic to arrive in time for sunrise. The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, is at its summit. After climbing the summit, you descend to Mweka Camp for your final climbing night while returning through the forest area. There are lots of native proteas that are pollinated by malachite sunbirds.
Nighttime Mweka Camp (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Mweka Camp to Arusha or Moshi.

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

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half Board.

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Kilimanjaro Nature Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.