DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through 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

   Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA (BIG TREE) TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we 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

   Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP 2

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we 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

   Accommodation: Shira Camp 2

DAYS 4: SHIRA CAMP 2 TO LAVA TOWER

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down 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 15,190 ft.
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
•    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•     Habitat: Alpine Desert
•    Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Accommodation: Lava Tower

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft. cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

•  Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
•   Distance: 5 km/3 miles
•   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•    Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Accommodation: Karanga Camp

DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

•  Elevation: 13,106 ft. to 15,331 ft
•   Distance: 4 km/2 miles
•   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•   Habitat: Alpine Desert

   Accommodation: Barafu Camp

DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push 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. We 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, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at 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, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

•   Elevation: 15,331 ft. to 19,341 ft.
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
•   Hiking Time: 7-8
• 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

   Accommodation: Uhuru Peak

DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

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

•  Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
•   Distance: 10 km/6 miles
•       Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•     Habitat: Rain Forest

   Later we will transfer to Moshi to your accommodation or Arusha for your wildlife safari