Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation
where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium)
Climb Day 1
Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft
This morning you will drive to the Lemosho gate where you will complete entry formalities, then
enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be
lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first
camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa).
Climb Day 2
Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft
Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track
into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills
below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to
ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo
across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight Shira 1 Camp
Climb Day 3
Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of
the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking
time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatization to the
peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight Shira 2 Camp
Climb Day 4
Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft
Elevation Loss: 700m/2,300ft
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to
Lava Tower at 4,600m. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes
around 4-5 hours. From here begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing exotic large
flowering plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent will take 1-2 hours. Although you end your
day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is important for acclimatization. Camp is
in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight Barranco Camp
Climb Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Elevation Loss: 250m/820ft
Begin the day climbing the Barranco Wall, an impressive scramble that will reward you with
fantastic views back towards camp. From the top, at 4,200m, follow an undulating path around
the mountainside. 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 camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours.
Overnight Karanga Camp
Climb Day 6
Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft)
Elevation Gain: 850m/2,790ft
Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp, which is Swahili for ice, and then
continuing up a rocky slab to Kosovo. This small camp is located on the ridge below the summit
cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views from many different
angles. The walk will take around 4-5 hours, meaning you will arrive at Kosovo in time for lunch
and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and
Kibo can be seen from this position.
Overnight Kosovo Camp
Climb Day 7
Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to
Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking
approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by
the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve
reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing
Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru
Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to
Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the
mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight Mweka Hut Camp.
Climb Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You
will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium
Departure or Onwards Travel
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided
to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.