We depart from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will have our lunch and then commence through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.

•Elevation: (ft. 7,800ft to 9,500ft.)

•Distance: 6 km

•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

Forest Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest 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 will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

•Elevation: (ft. 9,500ft to 11,500ft.)

•Distance: 8 km

•Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

•Habitat: Moorland

Shira Camp 1

We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glacier peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

•Elevation: (ft. 11,500ft to 13,800 ft.)

•Distance: 14 km

•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

•Habitat: Moorland

Moir Hut

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction will change to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We will continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we shall rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you will end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

•Elevation (ft. 13,800ft to 13,000ft.)

•Distance: 7 km

•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

•Habitat: Semi-Desert

Barranco Camp

After the morning breakfast, we shall leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

•Elevation (ft. 13,000ft to 13,100ft.)

•Distance: 5km

•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp

After the morning breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, have a rest, enjoy dinner, and get prepared for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

•Elevation: (ft. 13,100ft to 15,300ft.)

•Distance: 4 km

•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we will continue on our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft.), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever likely to see (weather permitting).

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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: (ft. 15,300ft to 19,345 ft. and down to 10,000ft)

•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

•Habitat: Arctic

Mweka Camp

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, you continue with another 1 hour to Mweka Village. Where you will meet the vehicle waiting for you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

•Elevation: (ft. 10,000ft to 5,400ft.)

•Distance: 10 km

•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

Panama Garden Resort