Itinerary

1. Day 1- Moshi - Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa

   • Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and transfer to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. 
   • Then, drive to the Lemosho trailhead. 
   • Upon arrival at trailhead, begin hiking through an 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 - Shira 1 Camp

   • Continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. 
   • Ascend through the lush rolling hills, cross several streams and 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/5 miles
   Hiking Time 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Heath

3. Day 3- Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp

   • Today, explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

   Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
   Distance: 7 km/4 miles
   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Heath

4. Day 4- Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Moir Hut

   • Continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a tall volcanic rock formation. 
   • Then, divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

   Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
   Distance: 14 km
   Hiking Time: 9 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5- Moir Hut - Buffalo Camp

   • Trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. 
   • Cross a rock field and gently undulate before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers excellent views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

   Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
   Distance: 12 km/7 miles
   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6- Buffalo Camp - Third Cave

   • As you head up the Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel.
   • Trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

   Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
   Distance: 8 km/5 miles
   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   Habitat: Heath

7. Day 7- Third Cave - School Hut

   • Climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. 
   • Continue on to our camp, School Hut. 
   • Once here, have some rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

   Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
   Distance: 5 km/3 miles
   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

8. Day 8- Shool Hut - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp

   • Start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Gilman's point 5685m as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us, and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. 
   • Walk for another hour to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).
   • Begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

   Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
   Distance: 6 km/4 miles
   Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

9. Day 9- Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate - Moshi

   • Trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride. 
   • Then, meet the drivers and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged hotel.

   Distance: 12km/7miles

   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

   Eleven: 12,434 ft – 5,380 ft

   Vegetation: Rain forest