Itinerary

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

   • Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. 
   • Then, transfer 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/ 5miles

   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

   Habitat: Health

3. Day 3- Shira 1 Camp - Moir Hut

   • Today, explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. 
   • 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: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

   Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles

   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

   Habitat: Heath

4. Day 4- Moir Hut - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

   • Begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.  
   • 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 is very beneficial for acclimatization.

   Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15200ft down to 13000ft

   Distance: 7 km/4 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5- Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp

   • After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. 
   • Then, hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 
   • Continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • Here, 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: 13,000ft to 15,000ft

   Distance: 9km

   Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6- Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp

   • Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the hike to the summit. 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. 
   • 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 are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. 
   • Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
   • Now, descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping 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, enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft descent to 10065ft
   Distance: 18 km/10 miles
   Hiking Time: 13-14 hours

   Habitat: Arctic

7. Day 7- Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Moshi

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

   Trip ends.

   Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

   Distance: 10 km/6 miles

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest