Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
Up and away. A two and a half hour’s drive to Londorossi Gate where you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you drive another 15 km into the dense rainforest to where you will start. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780m). Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up and hot tea and washing water will be waiting.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatisation as you will go up to 4600m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m) and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)
Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it actually is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top.
The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
A few hours hiking through desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today –Barafu Camp at 4640m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours, comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at Stella Maris Lodge for a hot shower, a cold drink, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done!
Breakfast.
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