The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

From the Shira Plateau, our journey takes us further to the east as we ascend a ridge. Along the way, we'll pass the junction that leads to the peak of Kibo. As we progress, our path veers to the southeast, leading us to the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth." After passing the tower, we reach a second junction, which guides us up to the Arrow Glacier, situated at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

Afterward, we continue our descent to the Barranco Hut, located at an elevation of 13,000 feet. At this point, we take a break, savor dinner, and spend the night. It's worth noting that even though you finish the day at the same elevation you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for the summit day.

Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and proceed along a steep ridge, which involves passing the Barranco Wall. Our destination for the day is the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a relatively short day, intended for the purpose of acclimatization.

After breakfast, we depart from Karanga and head towards the junction that links up with the Mweka Trail. We then carry on to the Barafu Hut. By this stage, you will have finished the South Circuit, providing you with various viewpoints of the summit from different angles. Here, we set up camp, take a rest, savor dinner, and get ready for the big summit day. You'll be able to spot the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from this vantage point.

Very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 a.m.), we continue our way to the summit, situated between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Heading in a northwesterly direction, you'll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This stretch is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 feet above sea level), you'll pause for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. Faster hikers will catch the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, our descent takes us straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch along the way. Gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy for the loose gravel during the descent. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we savor our final dinner on the mountain and look forward to a well-earned night's sleep.

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As you descend to lower elevations, it can become wet and muddy. Therefore, gaiters and trekking poles will be particularly helpful during this part of the journey. While at lower altitudes, you'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts are sufficient attire (but do keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy, just in case).

From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village. Subsequently, a vehicle will be waiting to meet you at Mweka Village, which will then transport you back to your hotel in Arusha.