1 Arrive in Moshi
Welcome to Moshi — the quaint, laid-back town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
2 Free in Moshi — Overnight in Hotel
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide and have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore, take part in an informal group tour around town, visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
3 Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Depart Moshi for Londorossi / Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the Lemosho Route cuts through underbrush that is so untouched it at times grows right across the narrow trail. After 3 to 4 hours, we’ll reach our camp, Mti Mkubwa — “Big Tree” in Kiswahili.
4 Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
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. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing 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.
5 Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
After breakfast we head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is about a four-hour hike to camp. On the way we pass the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.
6 Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp
From Shira Camp 2 we continue toward Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day is key for acclimatization as the landscape shifts into alpine desert and dramatic volcanic formations.
7 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
8 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
9 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim — the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we descend to Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
10 Mweka Camp to Gate
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear — keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
11 Departure
For those returning home, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar, you will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
