We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the SHIRA Plateau.There are tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in. We camp in the centre of plateau at Shira one (3550m). 6-7hrs walk

We walk to the summit of Shira cathedral before reaching the next camp at shira hut (3840m) This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and jagged rim of shira plateau The views from here of Mt Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable (5-7hrs walking)

In the morning we follow the main trail up to Lava tower, and for those feeling strong there is possibility to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier around 4800m. We then continue from Lava tower to reach our campsite at Moir hut (4200m) 5-7hrs walking

We climb out of the Moir valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of little Lent hill at 4375m. After admiring the view we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of todays walk undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo camp (4150m). At the camp there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north. 4-7hrs walking

From Buffalo camp we climb up the top of Buffalo ridge and drop down the other side to reach Pofu, nearby this is a small spring and some vegetation. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third cave camp (3900m) 5-7hrs walking

There is a steady ascent to reach the saddle, a lunar land scape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upward and reach School hut camp (4700m) in the early afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day (4-5hrs walking)

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about midnight so that we can be up on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Gilmans point (5685m) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. The trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru peak (5896m), passing close to the spectacular glacier and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella point and then descends down through Barafu camp to reach Millenium camp (3800m) 11-15hrs walking

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the national park. The driver will pick you and transfer to the Hotel through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. 4-6hrs walking