Day 1
The trek begins from Lemosho at 6,500ft and proceeds through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp at around 9,186 ft/2,800 m. Trekkers always comment on the beauty of this part of the route, so rich in flora and fauna.
Day 2
A full days trek with an altitude gain of over 2,000ft/600m, where you'll enjoy a hot lunch at a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater. From there we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. Trek approx 6 hrs today.
Day 3
We hike east across Shira Plateau to Shira Two via Shira Cathedral (12,730ft/3,880m) to your camp at Shira Two which is located at around 12,470ft/3,800m. Allow 5-6 hours.
Day 4
Today we trek down the Barranco Valley to the camp at Barranco Wall (12,795ft/3,900m). Having reached over 14,000 feet in altitude today before descending to the camp at Barranco Wall provides an acclimitization advantage. Today’s trek will take 7-10 hours.
Day 5
In the morning we climb up Barranco Wall where we're able to see Mount Meru and the plains far below. From there we continue to Karanga Camp at 12,800ft/3900m, for lunch. This walk should take 4-6 hours. Here we are able to rest or take acclimatization hikes on the nearby slopes.
Day 6
Today we'll trek for 3 to 5 hours to Barafu Ridge Camp (15,090ft/4,600m). We'll rest in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest again until midnight.
Day 7
It's summit day and we rise at around midnight to begin the scramble up the scree slopes to Stella Point, continuing around the rim to Uhuru Point. First light is apparent around 0530hrs and this really gives you hope to push on upwards. You should reach Stella Point (18,865ft / 5,750m - on the crater rim) just after dawn; then after a short rest continue for another hour or so round to Uhuru Point. After reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit (19,340ft/5,895m) and having enjoyed the amazing views, you will then return via Stella Point and descend the scree slopes via Barafu Ridge Camp for a few hours rest and then on to Millenium Camp (12,305ft/3,750m).
Day 8
Today you will start early and again walk through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. The walk takes aproximately 5 - 7 hours and when you reach the gate you'll enjoy a picnic lunch, and presentation of certificates. Then to your hotel for a well deserved hot shower, perhaps a massage or a dip in the pool, and a real bed.
