Altitude: 8,692 to 11,841 Hike time: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, hike across the remaining rainforest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full-day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. Stop for lunch at a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater at around 10,000 ft. After lunch, we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high-altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of the Kilimanjaro volcanic cones and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak.

The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro.

Altitude: 11,841 to 12,628 Hike time: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, continue the hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. Elevation gain is only 700 ft – allowing you to acclimatize slowly. The views of the plateau are nothing less than spectacular.

Altitude: 12,628 to 12,956 Hike time: 5 hrs

Today is the last of the “easy days.” It is about a 7-hour superb hike. We pass the Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley, interspersed with giant lobelia and senecia plants. After arriving at our most spectacular campsite, everyone stands in awe at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above, on our left.

Our camp is only 465 ft higher than where we were last night, but we will have climbed to just over 14,000 ft during the day. This is one of our most valuable days for acclimatization.

Altitude: 12,956 to 13,743 Hike time: 3.5 hrs

On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and steep, it is very easy to climb. This is the first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo Peak over the left shoulder. Descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu Hut.

Altitude: 13,743 to 15,088; Hike time: 3.5 hrs

Start the day with a steep hike out of the valley. It is a tough, but rewarding uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. So, go to bed early because we will be waking you at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.

Altitude: 15,088 to 19,340 (summit) then down to 9,550; Hiking time: 12-14 hrs

Dress warmly, as climbing starts around midnight, on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. The moon, if out, will provide enough light, and we will reach the crater rim by sunrise, after a 7-hour hike, and welcome a new dawn. From the crater rim, the rugged Mawenzi Peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater’s ice-walls looming ahead. Continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hrs), descend back to Barafu camp (4 hrs), and then down the Mweka route to Mweka camp (5 hrs). This is where we spend our last night on the mountain.

Altitude: 9,550 to 5,997; Hiking time: 4 hrs

Finish your hike down to the trailhead. This takes about 3 – 3.5 hrs. After a welcome lunch, it is time to say goodbye to the porters. Transfer back to your hotel or on to your safari.