Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,100ft)

This morning you will drive to Lemosho gate taking approximately 3 hours. Here we will complete entry formalities. Commence trekking through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see colobus and blue monkeys. The path undulates steeply in places to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.

Overnight Big Tree Camp

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3600m/11,800ft)

Today our trek will begin in the forest; however you will soon leave this ecosystem behind taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending through the lust rolling hills below the Shira plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action. Finally the trail begins to ease as you rich the edge of the plateau. You will camp at Shira 1 after 4-5 hours of trekking. The view of kibo from across the plateau is incredible.

Overnight Shira 1 Camp

Day3: Shira 1 Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)

Our third day on the mountain consists of a trek across the Shira plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,872m) which will help our acclimatization and is therefore advisable. Shira is one of the highest Plateaus on the earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira two Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including the optional acclimatization to the peak of Shira cathedral will add around 1 hour.

Overnight Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,870ft)

Our climb today will take us steadily up and over expansive ridgelines of high desert to lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300 foot high volcanic plug. From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco valley passing large flowering plants which is actually look like trees, Scenecios. This is good practice for our descent from the summit in few days’ time and will take around 2 hours. Although we will end our day at almost the same elevation as we started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help our body prepare for summit night. Barranco camp is in a beautiful sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco wall.

Overnight Barranco camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)

After breakfast, we leave barranco camp and begin our climb up the barranco wall. This is impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back toward camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top at 4200m you wall follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of kibo to your left and mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karanga camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours.

Overnight Karanga camp

Day 6:  Karanga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,100ft) 

Spend the morning climbing steadily to Barafu which is Swahili for ice; this camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. We have now completed the south circuit, which offers views of summit from many different angles. The walk will take around 3 hours, meaning you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner. After dinner and a summit briefing, rest in preparation for the summit climb. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from here.

Evening of rest at Barafu Camp, depart for the summit in the early hours.

Day 7:  Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)

Peak, taking approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.  At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim.  From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.  From the summit the descent will take you down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served at Barafu Camp on the way, taking about 6 hours.  If you’re too tired to descend all this way, there is an alternative option to camp slightly higher at Millennium Camp.

Overnight Mweka Hut or Millennium CampIn the early hours of the morning we will begin our final ascent to the summit of Uhuru 

Day 8:  Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) 

Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way.  From Mweka Gate we will transport you to your accommodation for a well-earned hot shower!