Following a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to the verdant rainforest glades and continue our ascent along an ascending path. Crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge, we head westward, immersing ourselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape. The trail leads us to the Shira campsite, nestled amidst the breathtaking moorlands, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding terrain. As we traverse through this captivating habitat, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna that call this region home.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our journey continues eastward from the Shira Plateau, ascending a ridge and passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we press onward, the landscape transforms, offering mesmerizing views of the iconic Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark’s Tooth" (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). After a brief stop to admire this geological marvel, we proceed southeast towards the Barranco Camp, navigating through semi-desert terrain. Despite ending the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this leg of the journey is crucial for acclimatization, preparing our bodies for the challenges that lie ahead.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a replenishing breakfast, we embark on a steep ascent up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), followed by a traverse through the scenic Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft). Continuing our upward journey, we eventually reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The path leads us to the Barafu Camp, marking the culmination of the South Circuit and offering captivating views of the summit in the distance. As we settle into our campsite, the anticipation of the summit bid looms large, motivating us for the challenges ahead.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the pre-dawn darkness, our ascent to the summit commences, navigating through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This leg of the journey is undeniably the most mentally and physically demanding, as we push through heavy scree towards the ultimate goal. Arriving at Stella Point, we pause to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise, a fitting reward for our determination and perseverance. From here, a final push brings us to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After basking in the glory of our achievement, we begin our descent, retracing our steps to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Continuing onward, we make our way to the Mweka Camp, where we spend our final night on the mountain, reflecting on the extraordinary journey we've undertaken.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descending to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our descent continues as we make our way down to the Mweka Park Gate, where we receive our hard-earned summit certificates. Trekking through the forested terrain, we navigate the final stretch, mindful of the wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, our adventure concludes, and a Monkey Adventures vehicle awaits to transport us back to our hotel in Moshi. As we bid farewell to Kilimanjaro, we carry with us memories of an unforgettable journey and the triumphant feeling of conquering Africa's highest peak.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast