LONDOROSI GATE - MTI MKUBWA

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

You leave Arusha/Moshi in the morning for Londorossi Gate, which takes around 4 hours, and where you will complete your entry requirements. Then proceed to the trailhead for the Lemosho. You begin hiking through a pristine forest to the first campsite after arriving at the trailhead.

MTI MKUBWA - SHIRA 1 CAMP

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/ 5miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

You continue on the track that leads out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and lichen-bearded volcanic rock. You reach the Shira Ridge after ascending through the lush rolling hills and crossing multiple streams before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Across the plateau, you get your first glimpse of Kibo.

SHIRA 1 CAMP - MOIR HUT

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

You spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is reached through an easy hike east through moorland meadows. Then we detour from the main trail to Moir Hut, a seldom-visited location at the foot of the Lent Hills. The Lent Hills offer a range of walks, giving it a good acclimatization opportunity. The Shira Plateau is one of the planet’s tallest plateaus.

MOIR HUT - LAVA TOWER

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

You start the day by going up a ridge and then heading southeast towards the 300-foot-tall volcanic rock feature known as the Lava Tower. You descend to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet via the unusual but magnificent Senecio Forest. Despite the fact that you start and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is quite good for acclimatization.

BARRANCO - KARANGA CAMP

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a descent into a gully to the Great Barranco Wall’s base. Then you climb the almost 900-foot cliff, which is non-technical but steep. You descend quickly into the Karanga Valley from the top of the Barranco Wall, passing through a series of peaks and valleys. Karanga Camp is reached after a final tough ascent. This is a shorter day designed to help you acclimate.

KARANGA - BARAFU CAMP

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

You leave Karanga and come to a fork in the trail that links to the Mweka Trail. You proceed up to Barafu Hut’s difficult portion. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of perspectives. To prepare for the summit day, you set up camp, rest, and eat an early dinner here. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this vantage point.

BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Early in the morning, you begin your ascent to the summit (around midnight). This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold may be brutal. You climb for several hours in the dark, taking frequent but brief stops. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you’ll ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak from Stella Point (18,900 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro as well as the African continent.

You now descend from the summit, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping for lunch at Barafu. The terrain is rocky and can be difficult on the knees, thus trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where late afternoon mist or rain can be expected. Later that evening, you have your final dinner on the mountain and get some much-needed rest.

MWEKA HUT - MWEKA GATE - ARUSHA/MOSHI

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Your final day will be spent descending to Mweka Gate and collecting your summit credentials. It might be muddy and wet at lower elevations. You will be met at the gate by your vehicle, which will take you back to your accommodation in Arusha/Moshi.