Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,650 m (6,890 ft to 8,695 ft)
Distance: ~7 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest The Journey: You will begin with a drive from your hotel (usually in Moshi or Arusha) to the Londorossi Gate for registration. After completing the paperwork, you'll drive a bit further to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek begins by winding through the lush, dense rainforest where you might spot black and white colobus monkeys. You will end the day at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp).

Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,500 m (8,695 ft to 11,480 ft)
Distance: ~7 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland The Journey: You will hike out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily, crossing several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge. From the ridge, you will gently descend into the Shira Camp 1, located on the western edge of the expansive Shira Plateau

Elevation: 3,500 m to 3,850 m (11,480 ft to 12,630 ft)
Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland The Journey: Today is a relatively gentle acclimatization day. You will trek eastward across the Shira Plateau. The views of Kilimanjaro’s main peak, Kibo, are spectacular from here. The hike is gradual, allowing your body to adapt to the altitude as you make your way to Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,600 m to 3,900 m (12,630 ft to 15,090 ft to 12,795 ft)
Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert The Journey: This is a crucial day for acclimatization based on the "climb high, sleep low" principle. You will hike up into the alpine desert zone to the imposing Lava Tower at 4,600 meters. You may feel the altitude here. After lunch at Lava Tower, you will descend down into the beautiful Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3,900 m to 3,995 m (12,795 ft to 13,105 ft)
Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert The Journey: The day starts with a fun, non-technical scramble up the famous Barranco Wall. Though it looks intimidating, most climbers find it to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the trek. After reaching the top of the wall, you will cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend into the Karanga Valley and climb up to Karanga Camp. This short day provides vital rest.

Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m (13,105 ft to 15,330 ft)
Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert The Journey: You will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue up to the Barafu Hut (Base Camp). At this point, you have completed the South Circuit. The terrain is stark, rocky, and barren. You will spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the summit attempt, going to sleep very early.

Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m to 3,100 m (15,330 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,170 ft)
Distance: ~5 km up / ~12 km down
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours up / 4-6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic / Rain Forest The Journey: This is the most mentally and physically challenging day. You will wake up around midnight, have a quick bite, and begin the steep push to the summit in the freezing cold and darkness. You will reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim right around sunrise. From there, it's about an hour's push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the roof of Africa! After celebrating and taking photos, you will begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch, and then continue all the way down to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m (10,170 ft to 5,380 ft)
Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest The Journey: On your final day, you will enjoy your last breakfast on the mountain and perhaps a traditional tipping ceremony with your guides and porters. You will then hike down through the lush rainforest to the Mweka Gate. Here, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From the gate, you will be driven back to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower!