The itinerary

DAY 1.  

Welcome to Tanzania! Our guide will come to pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer you to Moshi, where we will sleep overnight in Aishi Machame Hotel. The hotel is at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ambiance here is unique – surrounded by the African wilderness is a natural hideaway from bustling civilization and a perfect place to unwind. Aishi Machame Hotel features cozy garden-view rooms, a swimming pool with a lounge zone, a bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. (Dinner and drinks at your expense).

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DAY 2. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro - 8 days Lemosho Route

Londrossi Gate (2200m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m)

Pick up at 07:00
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

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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 the trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through the rainforest, which winds to the first campsite.

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DAY 3. 

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m) – Shira 1 Camp (3505m) 

Pole Pole! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Heath

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.

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DAY 4. 

Shira 1 Camp (3500m) – Moir Hut (3505)

Take it easy! – Wake up time at (Bed tea) 6:00
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Heath

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. Various Lent Hills offer numerous walks, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

DAY 5. 

Moir Hut (3500m) – Lava Tower (4600m)

Take it easy! – Wake up time at  6:00
• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Semi Desert

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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 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 significant for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

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DAY 6. 

Baranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4000m]

Take it easy! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 5km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

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After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. It is a short day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 7. 
Karanga Camp (4000m) – Barafu Camp (4600m)
 

The big day! – Wake up time at 6:00
• Distance: 4km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

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After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the MwekaTrail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many 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 8. Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak Camp (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3060m)

Sleepless night! – Wake up time at (Midnight) 11:00

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

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Around midnight we will put on our headlamps and start the ascent to the summit under thousands of twinkling stars. Heading northwesterly and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, it`s a steep, long, and most mentally and physically challenging trek. However, the energy of our group and the rhythm of our guide1s Swahili chants will help you keep going. 

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At Stella Point (5,756m), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). You may encounter snow from Stella Point 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.

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After taking in the views and taking some pics, we will make our way back down to our camp. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. In the afternoon, after some rest and Lunch at Barafu Camp, we will head back through the Alpine Desert and Moorland to our camp nestled in the Heath Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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DAY 9.

Mweka Camp (3060m) – Mweka Gate (1640m)

Boogie Down! – Wake up time at 7:00
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

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After our last breakfast (and a dance party) with our new mountain family, we will start our final descent through the rainforest and off Kilimanjaro. It can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking poles will help, and shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At Mweka Gate, we will have a special Open Road Tours-style celebration lunch (complete with some celebratory food and drinks) before returning to your hotel in Moshi for a much-deserved shower. We will have the night free to relax and reflect on the fantastic experience we shared and the great adventures to come.

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DAY 10. 

After breakfast, we transfer back to the Kilimanjaro airport. You can also extend your stay and go on a safari. We are happy to help you arrange it.