Itinerary

1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

   • Depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours and complete the entry formalities. 
   • Drive to the Lemosho trailhead. 
   • Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin hiking through the undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite. 

   Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

   Distance: 6 km/4 miles

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

   • Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. 
   • As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. 
   • Here, catch the first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

   Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

   Distance: 8 km/5miles

   Hiking Time 5-6 hours

   Habitat: Health

3. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

   • Explore the Shira Plateau in a full day trek. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. 
   • Divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. 
   • Variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

   Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

   Distance: 11 km/7 miles

   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

   Habitat: Heath

4. Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   • Begin the day by climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. 
   • Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. 
   • Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation.

   Moir Hut to Lava Tower

   Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

   Distance: 7 km/4 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

   Distance: 3 km/2 miles

   Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. 
   • Then, climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley.  One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. 
   • This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.

   Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

   Distance: 5 km/3 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 
   • Continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • Here make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be viewed from this position.

   Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

   Distance: 4 km/2 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   • Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 

   • Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. 

   • Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

   • From the summit, descend straight towards the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. 

   • The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

   • Later in the evening, enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

   Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

   Distance: 5 km/3 miles

   Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

   Habitat: Arctic

   Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

   Distance: 12 km/7 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   • On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can get wet and muddy.
   • From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. 
   • Meet the vehicle at Mweka Village and drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

   Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

   Distance: 10 km/6 miles

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest