Day 1
Moshi – Starting point – Mkubwa camp (2,780 m)
2.5 hours
Camping
In the morning our professional driver will pick you at the hotel and taken to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), an approximate 2½ hour drive away. After registration by the Government authorities (Kilimanjaro National Park officers) you will be driven up to a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoiled natural forest to Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m). This camp is about 2½ hours away and it’s your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Day 2
Mkubwa camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)
5 hours
Camping
In this day trek will starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As you climb, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like Erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach the Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for a lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb, you will climb another 400 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and at Shira Camp 2(approximately 4 hours). Shira camp 2 is the final destination for this day and you will spend your evening and night there.
Day 3
Shira Camp 2 –Lava Tower – Barranco camp
7 hours
Camping
This day you will climb approximately 740 m but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to cope with the climatic change, as a height of over 4,600 m will be reached before descending again. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley wich have lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro.
Day 4
Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
4 hours
Camping
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. Karanga camp is situated at an altitude of 4,640 m and will be reached in about 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation of the upcoming summit night.
Day 5
Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
4 hours
Camping
In this day 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.
Day 6
Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
4 hours
Camping
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 north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. 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 (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
After a short break and taking photos, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the crew will be waiting for you. You will have a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours before you make our way down to the Mweka Camp (3,080 m) about 3 hours away.
Day 7
Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi
2 hours
Camping
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.
