Itinerary

1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

   • Elevation: 2100m (7,742 ft) to 2650m (9,498 ft)
   • Distance: 7 km
   • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest

   We depart from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

   • Elevation: 2650m (9,498 ft) to 3500m (11,500 ft)
   • Distance: 7 km
   • Hiking Time: 4 hours
   • Habitat: Heath

   We 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 we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

3. Day 3: Shira Hut 1 to Shira Hut 2

   • Elevation: 3500m to 3850m
   • Distance: 7 km
   • Environment: Moorland
   • Time: 4 to 5 hours

   Today, you’ll cross the Shira Ridge along the rocky ground, low grasses, and shrubs. The terrain will be much flatter compared to the previous day, which makes the hiking experience leisurely. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and the nearby Mount Meru. Beautiful giant Lobelias characterize the moor landscape. Walking on the ground where lava used to flow, you will reach Shira Hut 2 Camp, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay.

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

   Shira Hut 2 Camp to Lava Tower

   • Elevation: 3850m (12,500 ft) to 4640m (15,190 ft)
   • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   • Elevation: 4640m to 3960m
   • Distance: 3 km/2 miles
   • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert

   We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We 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 benefits acclimatization.

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Elevation: 3960m (13,044 ft) to 4035m (13,106 ft)
   • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert

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

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Elevation: 4035m (13,106 ft) to 4640m (15,331 ft)
   • Distance: 4 km/2 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert

   We leave Karanga and hit the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. We 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 we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

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

   Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

   • Elevation: 4640m (15,331 ft) to 5895m (19,341 ft)
   • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
   • Habitat: Arctic

   Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   • Elevation: 5895m (19,341 ft) to 3100m (10,065 ft)
   • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest

   We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). 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. We 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 will ever see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, 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, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   • Elevation: 3100m (10,065 ft) to 1630m (5,380 ft)
   • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
   • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest

   On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.