Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (7,742 ft to 9,498 ft)

   • Depart from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete entry formalities.

   • Drive to the Lemosho trailhead.

   • Begin hiking through the undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite- Mti Mkubwa.

   The distance covered on day 1 will be around 6 km/4 miles, and the hiking time will be 3-4 hours.

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (9,498 ft to 11,500 ft)

   • Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.

   • Ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here you catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

   The distance covered on day 2 will be around 8 km/ 5 miles, and the hiking time will be 5-6 hours.

3. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut (11,500 ft to 13,800 ft)

   • Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp.

   • Divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills.

   • Enjoy a variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

   The distance covered on day 3 will be around 11 km/ 7 miles, and the hiking time will be 5-7 hours.

4. Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower (15,190 ft to 13,044 ft)

   • 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 simultaneously, the time spent at a higher altitude is beneficial for acclimatisation.

   The distance covered on day 4 will be around 3 km/2 miles, and the hiking time will be 2-3 hours.

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (13,044 ft to 13,106 ft)

   • Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.

   • Climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley.

   • Enjoy a steep climb up to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.

   The distance covered on day 5 will be around 5 km/3 miles, and the hiking time will be 4-5 hours.

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (13,106 ft to 15,331 ft)

   • Leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail.

   • Continue up on 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.

   • Make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are in view.

   The distance covered on day 6 will be around 4 km/2 miles, and the hiking time will be 4-5 hours.

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (15,331 ft to 19,341 ft) & Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (19,341 ft to 10,065 ft)

   • Begin your push to the summit 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.

   • 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.

   • Arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, make your descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite.

   • Stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful.

   • Reach Mweka Camp, situated in the upper forest.

   • Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

   While ascending, the distance covered will be around 5 km/3 miles, and the hiking time will be 7-8 hours. While descending from the summit, the distance covered will be around 12 km/7 miles, and the hiking time will be 4-6 hours.

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10,065 ft to 5,380 ft)

   • Continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.

   • Drive back to the hotel in Moshi Town by catching a vehicle at Mweka Village.

   The distance covered on the final day will be around 10 km/6 miles, and the hiking time will be 3-4 hours.