Day 1: Londorossi gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 2,460m to 2,895m
Distance: 6 km
We depart Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete the entry formalities. We will then drive to the Lemosho trailhead and upon arrival, we will begin the hike through undisturbed forest which winds its way to the first campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue monkeys swinging through the trees.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1
Elevation: 2,895m to 3505m
Distance: 8 km
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.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3505m to 4200m
Distance: 11km
Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,206m to 4,629m to 3960m
Distance: 10km
This is the best acclimatization day on this route as climbers trek high from 4206m to about 4629 m above sea level and sleep low at Barranco Camp which is 3960m above sea level.
A walking pace with an altitude change on this day will be the best determination and good exercise for the summiting day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,963m to 3994 m
Early in the morning after breakfast, we begin going up the great Barranco wall for about an hour, a steep wall but not difficult, passing through the famous Kissing rock going up more to the wall’s peak. Have a short break enjoying your snacks with some seeps of water while taking some pictures. Due to weather the mountain peak can be seen clearly from this point.
After a break we keep walking ahead looking forward to descending and ascending the Karanga valley before we reach the camp for lunch. We take lunch at Karanga, have enough time for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3994m to 4673m
Distance: 4km
Early in the morning leaving Karanga camp, we continue with our trekking through the rock ridges till we connect our trail with the Mweka trail. We proceed trekking to Barafu camp where we will have lunch and enjoy an early dinner and have time to prepare for the summit day.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4673m to 5895m
Distance: 5 km
Wake up early at midnight around 00:00hrs, we begin our hike to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment. From the summit, we now make our descent 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 will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
Elevation: 3,067m to 1,639m
Distance: 10 km
Today marks the end of our trek, as we will be making the last descent to exit the park. At Mweka gate we will be met with our hosts and driver ready waiting to pick us back to the hotel in Arusha/Moshi town. Relax a bit when waiting to receive your Kilimanjaro Summit certificate.
