Ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route

From Moshi to Lemosho (2,400 m) then to the Big Tree camp (Mti Mkubwa) (2,800 m).

This morning, you will leave Moshi for the Lemosho Gate, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. There, you will complete the entry formalities. From Lemosho, you will continue driving for about an hour to the start of the Lemosho Trail, along a 4x4 track. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will have lunch and then begin your trek through a lush, pristine forest where you may be lucky enough to spot Colobus monkeys. The trail winds and is steep in places, leading to the first camp after a 2-3 hour trek.

From Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) (2,800 m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,500 m).

Elevation gain: 700m

Today, your trek begins in the forest; however, you will soon leave this ecosystem behind, taking a steep trail through an area of ​​giant heather and volcanic rock. It's a full day of ascent through the lush hills of the Shira Plateau. Shira is Kilimanjaro's third volcanic cone. It is filled with lava flows from Kibo, and its rim has been eroded and sculpted by time and volcanic activity. Finally, the trail begins to level off as you reach the edge of the plateau. You will camp at Shira One after 5-6 hours of walking. The view of Kibo from the plateau is incredible.

From Shira 1 camp (3,500 m) to Shira 2 camp (3,800 m)

Your third day on the mountain involves a trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional ascent of Shira Cathedral (3,880 m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The day concludes with a gradual climb to Shira Camp 2. The trek itself, without the optional excursion, takes approximately 3 hours. The optional acclimatization at the summit of Shira Cathedral will add about 1 hour.

From Shira 2 camp (3,800 m) to Barranco camp (3,850 m) via the lava tower (4,550 m).

Your climb today will take you steadily uphill, traversing the extensive ridgelines of the high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. This tower is a 100-meter-high volcanic plug. If time and energy permit, climb to the top of the tower for a fabulous panoramic view. From Lava Tower, begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. This is good training for your descent from the summit and will take 1 to 2 hours. Although you will end your day at the same altitude you started at, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

From Barranco camp (3,850 m) to Karanga camp (3,950 m) via the Barranco wall (4,200 m).

After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our ascent of the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive climb where you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the camp. The porters scaling the wall are also an impressive sight. From the summit, at 4,200 m, you will follow a winding path around the mountainside. On a clear day, you will have spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga Valley, you will take a short, steep trail back to Karanga Camp. Walking time is approximately 3-4 hours.

From Karranga camp (3,950m) to Barafu camp (4,600m)

Today, you'll spend the morning steadily climbing to Barafu, which means ice in Swahili! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You've now completed the southern circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This walk will take approximately 3 hours, meaning you'll arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoying an early dinner in preparation for the summit ascent. Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be seen from this vantage point.

From Barafu camp (4,600 m) to Uhuru peak (5,895 m), then descent to Mweka camp (3,110 m).

Around midnight, you'll begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb will take approximately 6 to 8 hours. It can get very cold at night at these altitudes, but it will be quite warm by the end of the day, so you should pack clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you've had enough of climbing in the dark, the sun will rise, and you'll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing the Mawenzi volcano. At Stella Point (5,750 m), you'll reach the crater rim. From there, you'll climb gently to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit, the descent will take you directly to Mweka Hut, with lunch served along the way. This part of the descent takes approximately 6 hours. Later that evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

From the Mweka camp (3,110m) to the Mweka gate (1,830m) in Moshi...

A direct descent to the gate through the lush forest (2 to 3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be picked up in Mweka village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.

Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight.