Early in the morning of your Kilimanjaro day trip, we will pick you up at your hotel. An active day in Tanzania’s wilderness area awaits. The drive to your destination of West Kilimanjaro takes you through a forest reserve, where you can look out for Colobus monkeys in the trees. Your ride up through the beautifully rugged landscape of the Shira Plateau starts at 3,500 m above sea level. Along different trails and accompanied by a ranger, you can enjoy views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, and its northern glaciers when the weather permits. The vast plains of neighbouring Amboseli National Park in Kenya and the deep gorge of the Simba River contrast the views of the world’s highest free-standing mountain. When you reach the northern rim of Shira Crater, take a quick stop at different observation points and see the volcanic cones dotting the landscape below. •Elevation (ft): 11,800 ft; •Distance: 6 km; •Hiking Time: 3–4 hours; •Habitat: Rain Forest

You have a short trek ahead today on a small trail, from Shira 1, passing through the rainforest, to Shira 2. As you ascend, you explore the Shira plateau for a day. It is a gentle walk and rides east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. You will cross Shira Cathedral for acclimatisation, if the weather permits. Mount Meru (the 5th summit of Africa) is clearly seen from Shira 2. •Elevation (ft): 11,843ft to 12,765 ft; •Altitude: 3,010 m to 3,845 m; •Distance: 7 km; •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; •Habitat: Moorland

Today you will climb about 800 m, but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the south-east towards the Lava Tower, called "Shark’s Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant Senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours: • Altitude: 3,845 m to 3,845m to 3,960 m; • Distance Covered: 10 km; • Time to be used: 6–8 hours; • Habitat: Semi Desert

After sleeping below the Great Barranco Wall, you get your chance to tackle this hurdle. Don’t worry…It’s much easier than it looks. Continue up until you reach just below the Heim Glacier. Then head down through the Karanga Valley. This is the last place for your porters to gather water. They will collect all the water for the remainder of the ascent here. You will settle in here at the Karanga Camp. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon doing light exploring or resting while taking in the views of Mawenzi’s towering spires. • Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,035 m • Distance Covered: 7km • Time to be used: 4- 5 hrs • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry desertic terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side. After 3 to 4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and night as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night. • Altitude: 4034 m to 4,640 m • Elevation: 13,235 ft to 15,295 ft • Distance Covered: 6 km • Time to be used: 3-4 hrs • Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. Arriving at Uhuru peak you will find your bike at the peak spends a few minutes and take photos, then ride down to Stella Point then Kibo hut for Lunch. After lunch ride down to Horombo Hut. Cycling from Uhuru to Kibo 30% to 40% Icecap vegetation and 15% to 20% is alpine desert and from Kibo to Horombo 100% "Alpine desert vegetation. After Lunch, make your final riding down to Kilema gate across the alpine and the rainforest to Kilema gate, then you will be transferred to Marangu gate for check out. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate