Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) to Shira 1 Camp Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft  Distance: 8 km/ 5miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Health. We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. 

 Shira 1 Camp to Shira Camp 2 Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Distance:  11 km/ 7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath. We explore the  Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir  Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. 

 Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7  km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine. Desert Lava Tower to  Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km/2 miles  Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft.  Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. 

 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft  Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great  Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.  

 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4  km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We leave  Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We will continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.  

 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5  km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic. Uhuru Peak to Mweka  Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking  Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest. Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella  Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.  The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. 

 The second day on the mountain starts just after breakfast with a steep climb through the last swathe of rainforest, though this soon gives way to a rolling alpine meadow dotted with giant heather. Once you leave the forest sunshade, Kilimanjaro's two peaks snow covered Kibo and rocky  Mawenzi – lie straight ahead overlooking the skyline. Further on you cross a zone of open moorland with diminutive vegetation, today you gain roughly 1,000m altitudes; the walk can take five to seven hours  depending on your pace but always POLEPOLE. Tonight for Dinner and  overstay at Horombo Huts.