Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shira One Camp

   • Depart from Arusha or Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours.

   • Complete entry formalities while the guides and porters prepare equipment. 

   • Drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate, where we will begin the hike. The trekking journey from the gate to Simba camp will have us pass through shrubs and giant heather. 

   • Lunch en-route either hot lunch or packed lunch. 

   Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft 

   Distance: 4 km/2 miles 

   Hiking Time: 1-2 hours 

   Habitat: Heath

2. Day 2: Shira Camp One to Barranco Camp

   • Explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau.

   • Take the scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles.

   • Settle at Shira 2 Camp. 

   • Lunch en-route, either hot lunch or packed lunch.

   • Move eastwards following a ridge before changing direction southwards towards the Lava Tower, which is a volcanic rock formation towering at 300 ft.

   • Descend down through the beautiful Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp to an altitude of 13,000 ft.

   Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft

   Distance: 6 km/4 miles

   Hiking Time: 2 hours

   Habitat: Heath

3. Day 3: Barranco Camp to Lava Tower Camp

   • Enjoy a gentle ascent and panoramic view while walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.

   • Have lunch at Lava Tower (14,900 ft).

   • Walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach. 

   • This afternoon excursion is highly recommended for acclimatisation purposes and for the incredible views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.

   Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft 

   Distance: 7 km/4 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours 

   Habitat: Alpine Desert 

4. Day 4: Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Descend down into a ravine to the foot of the Great Barranco Wall.

   • Climb a 900 ft long cliff, which is non-technical but stiff.

   • Descend sharply into the Karanga Valley from the Barranco Wall.

   • Cross a series of hills and valleys.

   • Go on a steep climb which will lead to Karanga Camp.

   • Lunch will be on-route, either hot lunch or packed lunch.

   Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

   Distance: 5 km/3 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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

   • Continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. This point will mark the completion of the southern circuit. Have a good overlooking view of the summit from different angles.

   • Make camp and have dinner. Rest for the remainder of the day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position. 

   • Lunch will be en-route, either hot lunch or packed lunch.

   Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

   Distance: 4 km/2 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

   • Head toward the summit around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation can be extreme. Taking frequent short breaks, we will ascend in the darkness for two, three or more hours till we reach Stella Point, which is located at an elevation of 18,900 ft.

   • Witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises coming over the Mawenzi Peak at Gilman Point.

   • Make the descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Camp Site. 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.

   • Stop at Barafu for lunch.

   • Enjoy the last dinner on the mountain.

   Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

   Distance: 5 km/3 miles

   Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

   Habitat: Arctic

   Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

   Distance: 12 km/7 miles

   Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

   • Continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.

   • Head to Mweka village from the gate, which will be around an hour. 

   • Ride in a vehicle from the vehicle to Moshi or Arusha. 

   Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

   Distance: 10 km/6 miles

   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: Rain Forest

8. Day 8: Departure

   • Get dropped off at the airport from the hotel.