Itinerary

1. Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

   We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then, drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through 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: Rainforest

   Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) to Shira 1 Camp

   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.

   • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
   • Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
   • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
   • Habitat: Heath
   • Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

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

   We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then, we divert from the main trail 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 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
   • Accommodation: Shira Camp 2

4. Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower

   We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300-foot 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.

   • 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
   • Accommodation: Lava Tower

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   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.

   • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
   • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert
   • Accommodation: Karanga Camp

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many 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.

   • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
   • Distance: 4 km/2 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert
   • Accommodation: Barafu Camp

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

   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 camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be challenging 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 enjoyed our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
   • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   • Hiking Time: 7-8

   Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
   • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
   • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest
   • Accommodation: Uhuru Peak

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   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.

   • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
   • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
   • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest
   • Accommodation: Moshi