On arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport with a code JRO, our guide will meet you and drive to your hotel in Arusha.

You will get a chance for briefing, checking on your pack list and introduction about your trek.

We depart from Arusha to Londorosi Gate, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead.

Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest 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 moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Then we divert from the main trail 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 acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp.

This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

As we head up to Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel.

We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we make camp, rest and enjoy dinner while preparing for the summit day.

In the morning light, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We ascend for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Upon reaching the crater rim, you arrive at Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), with the summit within striking distance.

Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we make our descent to Barafu Camp, where we celebrate our achievement and enjoy a well-earned sleep.

We make our descent going straight down to Mweka Camp, which is situated in the upper forest. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Later in the evening, we have our last dinner on the mountain.

On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate a vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village and drive back to hotel in Arusha.