Itinerary

1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

   • We depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch and then 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: Rain Forest

   Full board at Forest Camp, known as {Big Tree Camp}

2. Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

   • We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

   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

   • We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at Shira 2 camp or continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. Various Lent Hills offer 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

   Entire 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.

   • From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is significant 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

   Entire Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to 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

   Entire Board at Karanga Camp

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

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

   Distance: 4 km

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Entire Board at Barafu Hut Camp

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

   • Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
   • At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). You may encounter snow from Stella Point on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
   • From the summit, we now descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   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

   Entire Board at Mweka Hut Camp

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

   • After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 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 (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
   • Day of departure: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

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

   Distance: 10 km

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

   Half Board