Height: 2389m / 7838ft to 2785m / 9137ft
Height gained: 396 m
Starting in Moshi, drive 45 minutes through cozy mountain villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will wait patiently for our permits to be issued as we watch the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the voyage. Enjoy beautiful rainforest scenery and windswept trails as your guide talks about local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Here we recommend gaiters and trekking poles. 

 Altitude: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Elevation: 719m
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending trail, now leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs steadily with stunning views to reach the edge of the Shira plateau. Temperatures are starting to drop. 

 Altitude: 3504m/11496ft to 3895m/12779ft
Elevation: 391m
Our trek crosses the Shira, one of the highest plateaus on the planet, from Camp Shira I to Camp Shira II. The nine-day climbers will spend the night at Shira II Camp and join climbers ascending from the Machame route. At Shira II camp, it is worth spending some energy to climb a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley below and the western break of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with sub-zero temperatures. Note: The 8-day climbs continue east to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters) 

 Height: 3895m / 12,779ft to 3986m / 13,077ft
Height gained: 91m
Although you will finish the day at roughly the same altitude as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east on a ridge past the intersection with Kibo Peak before continuing southeast to Lav Tower, nicknamed "Shark Tooth" (altitude 4650m / 15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction which leads to Arrow Glacier. We then descend further to spend the night at the Barranco camp. 

 Altitude: 4,155m/13,632ft to 4,033m/13,232ft
Altitude loss: 122m
We start with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a short detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 15,000 feet (4,375 meters) before returning to the Northern Circuit Trail. The route follows a series of ups and downs, hugging the northern slopes of Mount Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular view of the plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp shortly after noon, where you will have lunch and have time to rest. 

 Height: 4033m / 13,232ft to 3936m / 12,193ft
Lost height: 97 m
Day six begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge and down to Pofu Camp where lunch will be served. We continue east along the northern slopes to the Third Rongai Cave. Today's ascent is shorter than the day before and you should feel better about the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the third cave in the afternoon 

 Altitude: 3936m/12913ft to 4717m/15476ft
Elevation: 781m
A steady climb and over the saddle that sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue southwest to the school lodge where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you begin your summit attempt just before midnight. Don't forget to have all your gear ready, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before you go to bed. 

 Height: 4717m / 15,476ft to 5895m / 19,341ft
Height gained: 1178 m
Descent to 3106m / 10,190ft
Lost height: 2789 m
The excitement increases when the morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2am. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to keep warm and focus on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. Hairpin bend in a north-westerly direction and over heavy scree to Stella Point on the edge of the crater. Here you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest period. Faster hikers can watch the sunrise from above. From here you will likely encounter snow throughout your remaining 1 hour climb to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, step by step you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a moment to enjoy this incredible achievement. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very short rest. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative terrain with loose gravel and volcanic ash. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening in the mountains. Overnight at Mweka Camp.