Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Safari summary

Mount Kilimanjaro is the true definition of beauty. Its a dormant volcanic mountain with three volcanic cones Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira. Its one of the seven summits and also turns out to be the highest free standing mountain in the whole world. The climbing experience is quite physical, tiresome and risky but the feeling of hiking till the Uhuru Peak is accomplishment you will always be proud of hence and definitely worth every effort of your endeavors

six days to climb mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route.
Day 1: We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
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 reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time 8-10 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we 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 Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. 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): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We 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, 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): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. 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. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
Elevation : 15,300ft to 19,345ft (down 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent / 6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, we 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 another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Walking safari—with armed guard

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• International flights
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas