Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry formalities. From here a forest track requiring one hour drive to Lemosho Glades. After lunch, we will walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before reaching Shira camp 2. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.
Day 3: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
- Distance: 7km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east towards the peak of Kibo and passing that junction. Here our path goes east, towards the Lava Tower, also called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we meet the second junction that brings us to the Arrow Glacier. From here we continue down to the Barranco Hut, where we will rest, have dinner and overnight. Despite the fact that we did not changed elevation from the point where we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit.
Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Distance: 5km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This day begins by descending into a ravine, to the base of the Great
Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 275m
cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys
until descend sharply into Karanga Valley. You will have to endure one more steep climb to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance: 4km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Camp. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Camp. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
