On Day 2, you’ll leave the rainforest behind as the landscape shifts dramatically into the moorland zone. The trek involves a steep ascent up a rocky ridge, where the vegetation becomes sparser, and the air cooler. The trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, with the dense forest below and the vast Shira Plateau ahead. As you climb higher, you’ll start to feel the effects of the altitude, but the gradual pace helps with acclimatization. Giant heathers and unique plants like lobelias dot the landscape, adding to the surreal beauty of the moorland zone. After trekking for 4-6 hours, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp, located at 3,750 meters on the Shira Plateau. The camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, with Mount Meru visible in the distance on clear days. As you settle into camp, you’ll have time to relax and take in the views while your guides prepare dinner. The cooler temperatures at this higher altitude will be noticeable, so layering up for the night is essential. Shira Camp is a beautiful and quiet stop, allowing you to rest and prepare for the next day of climbing.

Day 3 is a crucial acclimatization day, as you’ll ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The trek begins with a gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert offering wide-open views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. As you approach Lava Tower, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky, with fewer signs of plant life. The trek is more challenging due to the higher altitude, and some trekkers may begin to feel the effects of altitude sickness. However, reaching Lava Tower is a key part of the acclimatization process, following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. After a break at Lava Tower, you’ll begin the descent into the Barranco Valley, where you’ll be greeted by the imposing Barranco Wall and the lush greenery of the valley floor. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, easing the effects of the thin air. After 6-8 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, which is surrounded by towering cliffs and giant groundsels, adding to the dramatic landscape. The camp sits below the towering Barranco Wall, which you will tackle the next day, offering a sense of anticipation as you enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

The day begins with the exciting challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock face that requires some scrambling. While the wall may appear intimidating at first, the climb is manageable, and the rewards are spectacular, with breathtaking views from the top. The ascent takes about 1-2 hours, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Karanga Valley and Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The climb up the Barranco Wall is often a favorite part of the trek for many climbers due to the sense of accomplishment it brings. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trek continues with a series of rolling hills and ridges, gradually making your way towards Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters. This is a shorter trekking day, taking 4-5 hours, allowing for additional acclimatization time. Karanga Camp is set in a valley surrounded by rugged terrain and offers striking views of the summit, now much closer. The camp provides a chance to relax and prepare for the higher altitudes that await in the coming days. You’ll have a warm dinner and get plenty of rest for the next challenging stage of the journey.

Day 5 is a critical day as you make your way to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the final summit push. The trail takes you through the alpine desert zone, with a barren and rocky landscape as the vegetation becomes almost non-existent. The air is much thinner now, making the climb more physically demanding. Despite the tough conditions, the views are stunning, with Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks looming above and vast, desolate landscapes stretching below. The trek to Barafu takes 4-5 hours, allowing you time to acclimate to the altitude at 4,673 meters. Barafu Camp is perched on a rocky ridge, with sweeping views of the summit and Mawenzi Peak in the distance. The camp is exposed and cold, with harsh winds blowing through the area, but the anticipation of the summit climb fuels your determination. You’ll spend the afternoon resting, eating, and hydrating in preparation for the midnight departure. Barafu Camp marks the final stop before the summit, and the evening is spent preparing mentally and physically for the long, arduous trek to Uhuru Peak.

Summit day begins just after midnight with a challenging ascent under the stars. The climb from Barafu to Stella Point (5,756 meters) is steep and slow, with freezing temperatures and high winds. This section is physically and mentally exhausting, but the promise of reaching the summit keeps you moving forward. After about 6-8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point, where you’ll be greeted with a stunning sunrise over the African plains. From here, the final trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters, is relatively gentle, taking another 1-2 hours. Standing at Uhuru Peak is an emotional and triumphant moment, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the glaciers, crater, and surrounding landscapes. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. The descent continues down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where the air is thicker and the temperatures warmer. The trek down is challenging on the knees and legs, but it’s a relief to return to lower altitudes. You’ll arrive at Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, exhausted but exhilarated after the summit. A final dinner and a good night’s sleep at Mweka Camp marks the end of an unforgettable day.

The final day of the trek is a descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, taking about 3-4 hours. The trail winds through the lush rainforest, with the sounds of birds and wildlife accompanying you as you make your way down. After days of trekking through rocky terrain, the return to the greenery and oxygen-rich air of the rainforest is refreshing. The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially if it has rained, so trekking poles can be helpful on this last stretch. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork and receive your summit certificates. This is a moment of celebration as you reunite with your support team and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed. After saying your goodbyes to the mountain and your guides, you’ll be driven back to Moshi or Arusha, where a hot shower and comfortable bed await. The sense of accomplishment from successfully summiting Kilimanjaro will stay with you long after you’ve left the mountain.