Itinerary

1. Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (7,800ft) – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

   • Departure will commence from Moshi as we head to Londorossi gate for registration, the drive will only take about 4 hours, and from there, we will drive to Lemosho trailhead. 
   • Lunch will be offered on arrival and then proceed through the lush, green forest, leading to the first camp.

   Elevation: 7,800ft- 9,500ft

   Distance: 6 km

   Hiking time: 3-4 hours

   Habitat: rain forest

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

   • We proceed with the trail that will lead us to the savannah grasses and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. 
   • We will continue descending through the lush rolling hills and along the way, crossing several streams, and after reaching the Shira ridge, we will gently descend to Shira 1 camp. The view of the Kibo is spectacular from here.

   Elevation: 9,498ft – 11, 500ft

   Distance: 8km

   Hiking time:  5- 6 hours

   Habitat: moorland

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

   • On this day, we traverse through the Shira plateau for the whole day.
   • We will keep trekking towards Shira camp 2 and join hikers from the Machame route whilst indulging in the beautiful scenery across the valley below and the western breach of Kilimanjaro above.  
   • Proceed to Shira caldera and diverge to an off-the-beaten-path to Moir hut. This is a site at the base of lent hills. You can opt to take walks on-lent hills, which can be the best for acclimatisation.

   Elevation: 11,500ft -13,800ft

   Distance: 14km

   Habitat: moorland

   Hiking time: 5- 7 hours

4. Day 4: Moir Hut (13,800ft ) - Lava Tower(15,190ft) - Barranco Camp( 13,044ft)

   • We begin our day by proceeding eastwards up a ridge, passing the intersection towards the peak of Kibo. As we keep moving, our direction changes to the southeast towards the lava tower. 
   • Immediately after the tower, we reach the second intersection, which leads us to the arrow glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We head down the Barranco hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. 
   • We will retire here and spend overnight. The day ends at almost the same elevation as when we started, which is best for acclimatization.

   Elevation: 13,800ft – 13, 044ft

   Distance: 7km

   Hiking time: 4- 6hours

   Habitat: semi desert

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

   • We start this day by descending to the base of the intimidating Barranco wall. 
   • Afterwards, we hike the non – technical yet steep cliff. 
   • We go across a sequence of hills and valleys from the top of Barranco until we descend into Karanga Valley. The day is short of improving acclimatisation.

   Elevation: 13,044ft – 13, 106ft

   Distance: 5km

   Hiking time: 4 -5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

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

   • We depart from Karanga and reach the intersection which connects with the Mweka Trail. We then proceed to the Barafu hut. This will be the completion of the southern route, which offers a spectacular view of the summit from different angles.  
   • Here we will rest and enjoy a tasteful early dinner as we prepare for the summit on the next day. The two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are clearly visible here.

   Elevation: 13,106ft -15,331ft

   Distance: 4km

   Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

   Habitat: alpine desert

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

   • We will push our way to the summit; our trek will begin around midnight. This can be a bit more physically and mentally challenging compared to the other parts of the expedition.
   • After reaching Stella Point (18,600ft), we will take a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on our 1-hour ascent to the summit. Your time at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, will be brief. Take as many pictures as you want, enjoy your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point.
   • From the summit, we will immediately start our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is 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. 

   We will later enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and take a well-earned rest.

   Distance: 5 km

   Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

   Habitat: Arctic

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp (10,065ft) - Moshi

   • Following a well-earned breakfast, we will celebrate with the team and have a three-hour walk to the Mweka Gate afterwards. 
   • Upon arrival at the gate, you will receive your gold certificate for reaching the summit.
   • After that, head to mweka village where we will meet our driver who will take you back to your hotel for a long rest.

   Distance Covered: 9.1km

   Time to be used: 3hrs

   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch