Day 1: Londorossi Gate (1830m/6000ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m/8700ft)

After your breakfast and a briefing session, embark on a drive to Londorossi Park Gate, approximately a 3-hour journey. Once at the gate, access to Lemosho Glades is via a forest track, necessitating a 4WD vehicle. Proceed along forest trails to reach the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m/8700ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m/11,500ft)

After your breakfast, the journey persists as the path gradually inclines, venturing into the expansive heather moorland zone. Traverse numerous streams along the way before progressing over the Shira Ridge and gently descending towards Shira 1 camp, strategically situated by a serene stream on the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500m/11,500ft ) to Shira 2 Camp (3850m/12,600ft)

The day offers the opportunity to behold the Northern Ice fields from the mountain’s western flank, providing unique perspectives of Kibo. Our gradual ascent through the Shira Plateau’s moorland contributes to acclimatization while offering sweeping panoramic vistas. Our aim is to reach the Shira 2 Camp, our destination for the day. In the afternoon, engage in an acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3850m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (4000m/13,000ft)

Commencing your trek for the day, you’ll embark on an ascent that unveils expansive panoramic vistas, progressing into the climatic zone of the upland desert and traversing the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. The pinnacle of your day’s journey will be the distinct Lava Tower (4640 m), offering far-reaching views—a perfect spot to savor your lunch. In the afternoon, a steep descent awaits, leading to our camp for the night nestled in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m). Sheltered by towering cliffs, the camp provides both refuge and sweeping views of the plains below.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (4000m/13,000f) to Karanga Camp (4050m/13,250ft)

Our day commences with a descent into the expansive Great Barranco, navigating through a vast ravine. Exiting steeply, we ascend the formidable Great Barranco Wall, a rocky terrain that separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. While not technically challenging, the climb is lengthy and demanding. Progressing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we proceed towards the Karanga Valley. Following this, a steep ascent from the Karanga Valley leads us to our night’s camp at Karanga Camp, situated at 3963m. For those seeking an extra challenge, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek is available, reaching approximately 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4050m/13,250ft) to Barafu Camp (4700m/15,350ft)

After a peaceful night and a nourishing breakfast, our journey unfolds towards Barafu Camp at an elevation of 4640m. The trek spans desolate scree slopes, a challenging ascent intensified by the absence of vegetation and the effects of altitude. Upon reaching the camp, we refuel with a meal and allocate the afternoon for essential rest, preparing ourselves for the strenuous night and day ahead. Staying adequately hydrated and warm is crucial in this high-altitude environment. An early dinner sets the stage for a brief period of rest before we rise between 11pm and 12am, ready to embark on the final climb to the summit.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4700m/15,350ft) to Uhuru peak (5895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (090m/10,150ft)

Early in the morning, typically between midnight and 2 am, our ascent to the summit continues, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Progressing in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through challenging scree terrain toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment constitutes the most mentally and physically demanding stretch of the trek. Upon reaching Stella Point, a brief rest is well-deserved, and you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise, an unparalleled spectacle. Those moving at a swifter pace might witness the sunrise directly from the summit.

Beyond Stella Point, anticipate encountering snow on the approximately 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Following this triumph, our descent begins, leading us straight down to Mweka Camp with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles may prove beneficial for the loose gravel descent. As we arrive at Mweka Camp, we savor our final evening on the mountain.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3090m/10,150ft) to Mweka Gate (1680m/5500ft) to your hotel

Following breakfast, we proceed with our descent toward the Mweka Park Gate to obtain your well-earned summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become damp and muddy, making gaiters and trekking poles advisable. It’s likely that shorts and t-shirts will suffice, but it’s prudent to have rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible.

Upon reaching the Mweka gate, the Ascend Tanzania vehicle awaits, ready to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 60-minute drive.