Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m

   • Pick up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transfer to the Lemosho Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro.

   • After the registration process, you will still start your climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.

2. Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

   • Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations.

   • Trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as you head towards your destination which is Shira 2. Gain a reasonable amount of altitude as you head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2, you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. The steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and enjoy great panoramic views.

3. Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

   • Start your trek with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. 

   • Reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), the high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. 

   • In the afternoon, make a steep descent to your camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

   • Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine, with your Tanzanian guide. 

   • Exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga valley. From here, you have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to the night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963 m.

   • For those feeling strong, you will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200 m before descending back to camp for the night.

5. Day 5: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

   • After a good night’s rest and breakfast, set off on a walk to Barafu camp at 4640 m. The climb will take you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.

   • On arriving at camp, eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. You have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as you will be getting up at between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Mweka Camp (3100m)

   • Start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking.

   • Another hour’s walking takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

   • Begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.

7. Day 7: Trek Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

   • A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride!

   • Meet by your vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks.

   Overnight at your arranged hotel.