Elevation Gain: 1,600 metres / 5,200 feet

Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

You'll be picked up from your Moshi hostel/hotel after breakfast and driven to the Umbwe Gate starting point (approximately 1 hour). Following registration, you will go through Montane Forest on your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a well-maintained trail. Your guide will discuss some of the local plants and animals as you travel through deep jungle and coffee farms. There's also a good chance you'll spot Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as a range of colorful bird species. The climb to Umbwe Camp is gentle and steady.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Umbwe cave campsite

Elevation Gain: 800 meters/ 2,850 feet

Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Heath

The trail now leads through semi-desert and stony terrain. Kibo, Kilimanjaro's majestic summit cone, may even be visible from time to time. Because some hikers start to develop symptoms of altitude sickness, these walks maybe a little more difficult than the previous days. The trail flattens out as you get closer to camp, eventually falling into the Barranco wall in a magnificent, sheltered valley.

Gain: 145 meters/ 456 feet

Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

To allow for acclimatization, today's hike will be brief. After breakfast, you'll start ascending the Barranco wall and hiking glacial valleys; don't worry, it's easier than it appears! You'll drop into Karanga Valley after crossing a succession of hills and valleys from the top of the wall. You'll arrive at Karanga camp after another tough climb, where you'll unwind for the afternoon before dinner and overnight rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Karanga campsite

Elevation Gain: 605 meters/ 1,994 feet

Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, depart Karanga and proceed to the Mweka Trail junction. After that, you'll walk for 1 to 2 hours up the rocky ridge before arriving at Barafu Camp, which offers spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit from numerous perspectives. Your tents will be erected along a windy, narrow, and rocky ridge. It's therefore worthwhile to spend some time getting to know your surroundings before it gets dark. Prepare for the impending trip to the summit by spending the night at Barafu camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Barafu campsite

Elevation Gain: 1,295 meter/ 4,200 feet

Elevation Loss: 6 to 7 hours up to Uhuru peak; 7 to 8 hours to mweka camp

Habitat: Arctic conditions

This is where things start to get rough! You'll go off into the night shortly before midnight to begin your final ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro's peak. Follow many switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Astella point amid the thick stone screen (5,756m). This is perhaps the most difficult segment of the trail. And it will take a lot of physical and mental effort. Continue to proceed slowly and carefully, paying attention to your guidance. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you'll climb for another hour along the crater rim before reaching your ultimate destination: Uhuru Peak! The weather on the summit will influence how long you may stay there, but you should start your descent early to ensure you have enough rest when you return to Barafu Camp. You'll gather the remainder of your luggage and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m), where you'll have dinner and a well-deserved rest!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka campsite

Elevation Loss: 1,280 meters/ 4,220 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, take a lovely trail through the forest to Mweka Gate to begin the easiest portion of your experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Hikers who complete the walk to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will get certificates at the gate. Then it's time to head back to your accommodation for a shower, supper, and some Kilimanjaro beer celebrations.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch