Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi – Pre-Climb Briefing

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in either Arusha or Moshi. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Moshi, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day is dedicated to rest and preparation, including a thorough briefing by your guide on the climb ahead. You’ll review the route, discuss the challenges and expectations, and ensure all your gear is ready for the journey.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel, followed by some time to unwind and mentally prepare for the adventure that awaits. The night will be spent in the comfort of your hotel, allowing you to rest well before the climb begins.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet), where you’ll complete the necessary registration with the park authorities. From here, a short drive takes you to the starting point of the Lemosho Route. The trek begins with a gentle ascent through the dense rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flowers, and a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and colorful birds.

The trail is relatively easy, allowing you to ease into the climb and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, located at 2,820 meters (9,250 feet). The camp is nestled in the rainforest, providing a peaceful and sheltered spot for your first night on the mountain.

Dinner will be served in the camp, where you can relax and take in the sounds of the forest as you prepare for the days ahead. The night will be spent in your tent, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 2,100 meters to 2,820 meters

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you climb, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Shira Ridge. You’ll trek through rolling hills and open plains, with the dense vegetation giving way to giant heathers, lobelias, and other unique plants adapted to the high-altitude environment.

As you ascend, you’ll cross the Shira Plateau, a vast, flat expanse that was once the floor of a massive volcanic crater. The views from the plateau are breathtaking, with the Kibo Peak rising in the distance and the plains of Tanzania stretching out below.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located at 3,610 meters (11,841 feet). The camp is situated on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a restful night in your tent.

Elevation: 2,820 meters to 3,610 meters

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek takes you across the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic and remote areas of Kilimanjaro. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing you to acclimatize to the increasing altitude as you make your way to Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from open grasslands to rocky outcrops, with stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys.

The Shira Plateau is also home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, elands, and even the occasional elephant. As you trek across the plateau, your guide will point out the various plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the high-altitude environment.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet). The camp is situated on the eastern edge of the Shira Plateau, with spectacular views of the summit and the surrounding landscape. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to rest and take in the views. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a night of stargazing and relaxation.

Elevation: 3,610 meters to 3,850 meters

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the Shira Plateau behind as you enter the alpine desert zone. The trail becomes steeper as you approach the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). The trek to Lava Tower is challenging due to the altitude, but it’s an essential part of the acclimatization process.

Upon reaching the Lava Tower, you’ll take a break to rest and acclimatize, enjoying the dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. After spending some time at the Lava Tower, you’ll begin the descent to Barranco Camp, located at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet). The descent takes you through the Barranco Valley, a stunning area filled with giant senecios and lobelias, with the towering cliffs of the Barranco Wall in the background.

Barranco Camp is one of the most picturesque camps on the mountain, offering incredible views of the Western Breach and the Southern Icefields of Kibo. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the challenges of the following day. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a night of rest in your tent.

Elevation: 3,850 meters to 4,640 meters (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960 meters (Barranco Camp)

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trek begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb that involves some scrambling over rocks. The Barranco Wall, also known as the “Breakfast Wall,” is a steep, rocky slope that requires careful navigation, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Once you reach the top of the wall, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kibo Peak and the valleys below.

After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail becomes more gradual as you descend into the Karanga Valley. The landscape here is rugged and dramatic, with towering cliffs and deep gorges. You’ll cross several streams before reaching Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,238 feet).

Karanga Camp is the last water point before the summit, making it an essential stop for refilling your water bottles and resting before the final ascent. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a restful night in your tent.

Elevation: 3,960 meters to 4,035 meters

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you’ll leave Karanga Camp and continue your ascent towards Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. The trail is steep and rocky, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren and desolate as you approach the high-altitude zone. The air becomes thinner, and the temperatures drop, making this section of the trek particularly challenging.

Barafu Camp is located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet), perched on a rocky ridge with stunning views of the Kibo Peak and the Mawenzi Peak. The camp is named after the Swahili word for “ice,” reflecting the cold and harsh conditions at this altitude. After