TREKKING DAY 1

We’ll begin by heading over to the Londorossi Gate from our hotel in Moshi on the first day. It will be a four-hour drive. After arriving at Londorossi Gate, we’ll complete the necessary formalities and drive up to Lemosho. Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll start hiking. The trailhead would be through the forest all the way to our first camp.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

• The estimated elevation will be 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• The total distance will be 6 km/4 miles
• The hiking duration will be 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

TREKKING DAY 2

We’ll continue our hike in the lush rainforest the next day. The trailhead winds out to savannahs and volcanic rocks with lichens. You’ll continue to climb up toward the hills and the running streams. Our camp, Shira 1 Camp, is located near Shira Ridge. We’ll get our first sight of Kibo Peak by our campsite, through the plateau.

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• The total distance will be 8 km/5 miles
• The hiking duration will be 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Heath

TREKKING DAY 3

On the next day, our guides and guests will continue their hike and explore the Shira Plateau. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus. It wouldn’t be challenging as the trail will be flat and easy on the meadows. We’ll move from our previous camp to Moir Hut, located at the bottom of Lent Hills. You can take your time to walk and explore Lent Hills. This is an excellent chance to improve your acclimatization.

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

• The estimated elevation will be 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
• The total distance will be 11 km/7 miles
• The hiking duration will be 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Heath

TREKKING DAY 4

On day four, we’ll continue ascending toward the Lava Tower, located in the southeast of Kilimanjaro. The Lava Tower is an over 300 ft volcanic formation. From there, we’ll climb down and set off to Barranco Camp. The trail down to Barranco will be scenic and exotic. We’ll be at an estimated 13,000 ft. altitude. You’ll spend most of the trekking day four on higher altitudes.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

• The estimated elevation will be 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
• The total distance will be 7 km/4 miles
• The hiking duration will be 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• The total distance will be 3 km/2 miles
• The hiking duration will be 2–3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

TREKKING DAY 5

We’ll start our day by climbing down toward the Great Barranco Wall. We’ll continue to descend the steep cliff (almost 900 ft). From Barranco Wall, we’ll cross by several valleys and hills before we reach Karanga Valley. This is where our next camp is pitched—Karanga Camp. This day is shorter than usual to help you transition smoothly and seamlessly to higher altitudes.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• The total distance will be 5 km/3 miles
• The hiking duration will be 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

TREKKING DAY 6

After we leave the Karanga Valley, we’ll set off to junction, connecting to Mweka Trail. We’ll continue to head up to Barafu Hut, where our next camp is pitched. On our way to Barafu, we’ll complete the Southern Circuit. You’ll enjoy the view of the summit from many angles. Once at Barafu, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal and rest for the next day. From our camp, you’ll be able to view both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• The total distance will be 4 km/2 miles
• The hiking duration will be 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

TREKKING DAY 7

Trekking day seven will be the most challenging part of the program. It will be both mentally and physically testing. We’ll wake up early to continue our ascend for a few hours. Make sure to keep your pace slow and take frequent breaks. As we continue our trek at a steady pace, we’ll make our way to the crater rim. We’ll continue our hike until we reach Uhuru Peak. Uhuru Peak is the highest point of Mountain Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.

We’ll stay there briefly before we continue our descent. We’ll head towards Crater camp, where the rest of the mountain crew members will join us. They will pitch the camp. Our guests will have the option to either explore the surrounding areas of Furtwangler Glacier or trek over to Reutsch Crater to witness the ash pit. Be aware that sleeping at such a high altitude can be risky. If you haven’t acclimatized sufficiently, our crew members will monitor you.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

• The estimated elevation will be 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• The total distance will be 5 km/3 miles
• The hiking duration will be 7–8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
• The total distance will be 1 km/.6 miles
• The hiking duration will be 0.5–1 hour
• Habitat: Artic

TREKKING DAY 8

On day eight, we’ll head to Mweka Hut from Crater Camp. During the lunch break, we’ll be at Barafu, where we’ll stop for some time to enjoy our meals. The trailhead over to Mweka Hut will be rocky and edgy. It’s going to put a lot of strain on the knees, which is why we recommend using trekking poles. We’ll arrive at Mweka Camp around late afternoon. We’ll have our last meal and retire for the evening.

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

• The estimated elevation will be 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
• The total distance will be 12 km/7 miles
• The hiking duration will be 4–6 hours
• Habitat: Artic

TREKKING DAY 9

We’ll pack our things and head down to Mweka Gate, where all the guests will collect their certificates on our last day. We’ll continue trekking for another hour until we reach Mweka Village. Our drivers will escort you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• The estimated elevation will be 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• The total distance will be 10 km/6 miles
• The hiking duration will be 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest