After breakfast, a transfer along logging roads to Shira Gate. The track takes us past the small

wooden houses of forestry workers and a succession of large colonial farms that produce beans,

coffee and other vegetables of West Kilimanjaro. Report to Shira gate to undertake the formalities before starting the hike. The route winds up through the verdant rain forest, a breathtaking environment of chattering birds and monkeys. Packed lunch en route. The forest gives out into the heather at about 10 000 ft / 3000 m, (5-6 hrs) before arriving at the Camp. Overnight Shira Forest Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the Camp, we cross a small valley and the route continues up the long steep ridge ahead.

From the ridge Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira -the three peaks of Kilimanjaro – can be seen with Mt.

Meru visible to the West on a clear day. The views are quite spectacular. It is gentle trekking on

the rock ridges and through heather until the route turns west into a river gorge at 12,000ft/3,500m, (3-4 hrs). From here continue to the west, gradually ascending until the Shira

Plateau is reached at 12,500 ft / 3800 m. Another 1/2 hr. brings you to the Shira camp. Even at

this altitude, Eland and Klipspringer can be seen. There is a small stream 5 minutes above the

Camp, where water can be collected. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue walking east towards the looming form of the Kibo massif ahead. Shortly after the

junction from where the Kibo North Circuit turns off, the route crosses a wide valley. From here

the lava tower can be seen, which is also called the Shark Tooth. South to the glacier streams

and, shortly before the Tower, we turn off towards Barranco Camp situated at 13,000ft/ 3,900m,

5-6 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo,

with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp [3 – 5 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From here walk up to the road where you again ascend to Barafu Camp at 15,500ft/4,600m, 6

hrs. Pack lunch en route. The vast and barren moonscape of the alpine desert is a very harsh

and rugged environment where temperatures can range from 40C during the day to minus

twenty at night. Only tussock grasses and a few tiny flowers can live on this altitude.

Uhuru Peak sometime hauls itself through the clouds and it seems very close. The rare Lammergeyer, or bearded vulture, is occasionally seen up here. Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start is required (01.00 am) for the summit attempt and Uhuru Peak the highest point

in Africa at 19,340ft/5,895m. The trail is tougher than anything experienced on the ascent with

a sustained switchback climb through steep scree. Slowly and with regular stops is the best way to

do it. After Stella Point on the Crater Rim, it is a very short but very long walk to Uhuru Peak.

From the summit it is a sustained descent to Mweka Camp and a day of some 12-15 hours of

high-altitude trekking. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is spent descending through open moorlands and the glades of forest and straight down through the rain forest to the Park Gate. Packed lunch on way down. After clearing all the paperwork at the gate, you will be transferred to Ameg lodge or similar for overnight on bed & breakfast basis

Overnight: Ameg Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast