Itinerary

1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

   • Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours.
   • Complete entry formalities at Londorossi Gate.
   • Drive to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about 1 hour.
   • Eat lunch upon arrival at the trailhead.
   • Commence through the undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite, Forest Camp, known as Big Tree Camp.

   Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

   Distance: 6 km

   Hiking time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rainforest

   Full board at Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. 

2. Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

   • Continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
   • Ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams.
   • Reach the Shira Ridge.
   • Drop gently down to Shira 1 camp.
   • Enjoy the amazing view of Kibo from across the plateau.

   Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

   Distance: 8 km

   Hiking time: 5-6 hours

   Habitat: Moorland

   Full board at Shira One Camp. 

3. Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Camp

   • Explore the Shira plateau for a full day.
   • Take a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak across the plateau.
   • Reach Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
   • Continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills.
     • Lent Hills offers various walks, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
     • Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

   Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

   Distance: 14 km

   Hiking time: 5-7 hours

   Habitat: Moorland

   Full board at Shira 2 camp

4. Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

   • Continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo.
   • Change direction to the southeast towards the Lava Tower called the "Shark's Tooth."
   • Shortly after the tower, come to the second junction, which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
   • Continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft.
   • Rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight at Barranco Hut.
     • Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

   Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

   Distance: 7 km

   Hiking time: 4-6 hours

   Habitat: Semi-desert

   Full board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp. 

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall.
   • Head towards the Karanga Valley campsite.
     • This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

   Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

   Distance: 5km

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Full board at Karanga Camp. 

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
   • Continue up to the Barafu Hut.
     • At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles.
   • Make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
     • The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

   Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

   Distance: 4km

   Hiking time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

   Full board at Barafu Hut Camp. 

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

   • Continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers very early (midnight to 2 a.m.).
   • Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
     • This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
   • Stop for a short rest and enjoy the magnificent sunrise (weather permitting) at Stella Point (18,600 ft).
   • Encounter snow from Stella Point on the 1-hour ascent to the summit.
   • Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
     • Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
   • Descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite from the summit, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
     • Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel during the descent.
     • Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
   • Enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep in the evening.

   Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

   Distance: 5 km ascent/12 km descent

   Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent/4-6 hours descent

   Habitat: Arctic

   Full board at Mweka Hut Camp. 

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

   • Descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates after breakfast.
     • At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
     • Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
     • Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear.
   • Continue another hour to Mweka Village from the gate.
   • Drive back to the hotel in Moshi from Mweka Village.

   Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

   Distance: 10 km

   Hiking time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rainforest

   Half board