Pick up from the hotel, drive to Lemosho Gate, where the national park authorities will register you. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780 m).Keep an eye out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will already be set up, and hot tea and washing water will be waiting. 

We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours, Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers, Habitat: moorland

The spectacular camp we are visiting today is located beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro.It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered 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. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth

Hiking time: 7 hours, Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers, Habitat: Semi-desert

From Moir Hut, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction that leads to the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction shifts to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. 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.

This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimidating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site.

After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters, as there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4,550 m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice,” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks, so hikers need to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served, allowing hikers to rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will provide you with a detailed briefing on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest, and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers consider this the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb.

In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will have the opportunity to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and savoring tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.

At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash up, and rest soundly at camp.

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion.

Hikers who reach Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, and hikers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers).

You will be served a hot lunch, then you will drive back to Moshi for long-overdue showers and more celebrations. Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel.