Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lemosho Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

   • You will depart from Moshi. 
   • A 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. 
   • You will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. 
   • You will enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. 
   • At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

   4.8km /3mi | 3-4 hours. | Rainforest

   Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft

   Altitude gained: 396m.

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira Camp 1

   • After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. 
   • You will leave the forest behind. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

   7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland

   Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft

   Altitude gained: 719m.

3. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp

   • You will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo glaciated peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. 
   • Then, you will continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. 
   • A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

   6.9km/4.3mi | 5-7hours | Moorland

   Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft

   Altitude gained: 391m.

4. Day 4: Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

   • Although you will end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.
   • From the Shira Plateau, you will continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak. 
   • You will then continue southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, you will come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. 
   • You will then continue to descend overnight at Barranco Camp.

   10.1km/6.3mi | 4-6hours | Semi Desert

   Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft

   Altitude gained: 91m.

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

   • After breakfast, you will continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. 
   • This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. You will stay overnight at Karanga Camp.

   5.2km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

   Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft

   Altitude gained: 48m.

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

   • You will continue up toward Barafu Camp and once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • You will have an early dinner and rest as you prepare for the summit night. Your overnight stay will be at Barafu Camp.

   3.3km /2 mi | 4-5hours | Alpine Desert

   Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft

   Altitude gained: 628m.

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp

   • Excitement is building as the morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2:00 am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
   • Congratulations, one step at a time. You will have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! 
   • After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, you will take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. You will begin your steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and treking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. 
   • Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Your overnight stay will be at Mweka Camp.

   13km /8mi down | 5-6hours | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

   Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft

   Altitude gained: 1233m

   Descent to 3106m/10,190ft

   Altitude lost: 2789m.

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Moshi Town

   • After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. You will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 
   • As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
   • From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). 
   • You will enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations, before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.

   9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest

   Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft

   Altitude lost: 1473m.