Day 1: Airport pick-up

Participating guests will be picked up by our representative from Kilimanjaro
International Airport (JRO) and be driven to a hotel in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb while the kits and necessary equipment will be checked as well.

Meals: Dinner and Breakfast
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

After breakfast, we will depart for Londorossi Gate which takes about 2 hours. Here you will have to fill out entry formalities. Afterwards, we will drive to the Lemosho trail-head (approximately one hour). Upon arrival at the trail-head, we will have lunch and commence our walk through the undisturbed forest which winds all the way to Forest camp.

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ftDistance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Forest Camp

Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

We will continue walking through the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah
of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. As we ascend
through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. From here, you will witness an exhilarating view of Kibo from across the plateau.

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft, Distance: 8 km, Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Shira Camp 1
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2

We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk East towards Kibo’s
glaciered peak across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows
by a stream. 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
Accommodation: Shira Camp 2
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp

From Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we proceed, our direction changes 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 now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner and spend the night. Although you 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
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the
Barranco Wall all the way to the Karanga Valley campsite. This will be a short day of
walking intended for acclimatization.

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft, Distance: 5km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with Mweka Trail and then continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, we shall have completed the South Circuit which offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. This is also where we will camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare 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

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

At around 2 am, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and
Ratzel glaciers. Thereafter, head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards
Stella Point on the crater rim which is the most mentally and physically challenging
portion of the trek. At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and take in the magnificent
sunrise you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour
ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you are at the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa as a whole.

From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka camp site with a brief stop at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be
expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will have our last dinner claim
our well-deserved sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Arusha

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 but gaiters and
trekking poles will help. It is also best to keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village for your vehicle drive back to the hotel in Arusha where dinner and accommodation awaits. Now is the best time to celebrate!

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meals: Dinner and Breakfast

End of Trip