Day 1 | Arrival in Tanzania

A Jacana Serengeti Safaris driver meets you on landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport and sweeps you to a tranquil lodge in Moshi. Enjoy a sunset gear briefing with your lead guide; tomorrow the real adventure begins.

Day 2 | Into the Big-Tree Forest

Londorossi Gate 2 100 m → Mti Mkubwa Camp 2 850 m

• Hike: ± 3 hrs | Distance: 10 km | Eco-zone: Rain-forest

Register at the western Londorossi Gate, then bump along a 4×4 track into the game-rich Lemosho Glades—keep an eye out for elephant and buffalo. After a picnic lunch, stroll under giant figs to “Big-Tree” camp, where porters have pitched cosy expedition tents and hot drinks are waiting.

Day 3 | Ridges to the Shira Plateau

Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp 3 600 m

• Hike: 6 – 7 hrs | Distance: 8 km | Eco-zone: Heather-moorland

Climb steep forest ridges to break tree-line, then traverse open heather slopes alive with proteas and sunbirds. Crest a rocky spur and step onto the vast Shira Plateau—your first jaw-dropping panorama of Kibo’s icefields. Camp at Shira 1 as alpenglow paints the glaciers pink.

Day 4 | Shira Plateau Acclimatisation

A relaxed “climb high, sleep low” day. After brunch, take an easy hike to Shira Cathedral or scramble gentle lava bluffs for 360° views, then spend the afternoon resting, hydrating and photographing dramatic cloud-sea sunsets.

Day 5 | Up to Lava Tower, Down to Barranco

Shira 2 3 840 m → Lava Tower 4 630 m → Barranco Valley 3 900 m

• Hike: 6 – 7 hrs | Distance: 11 km | Eco-zone: Alpine desert → Moorland

Cross dusty moonscapes to lunch beneath the 90 m Lava Tower. This deliberate climb to high altitude jump-starts acclimatisation. A rewarding descent leads to the lush, giant-groundsel forest of Barranco Valley—your camp framed by the sheer Breach Wall.

Day 6 | The Iconic Barranco Wall

Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp 3 995 m

• Hike: 4 – 5 hrs | Distance: 6 km | Eco-zone: Alpine desert

Hand-over-hand scrambling up the “Breakfast Wall” delivers thrilling exposure and glacier views. Traverse undulating ridges to Karanga Valley, arriving early enough for an optional afternoon acclim hike.

Day 7 | High-Camp on the Edge of Ice

Karanga → Barafu Camp 4 673 m

• Hike: 3 – 4 hrs | Distance: 4 km | Eco-zone: Alpine desert

A short, steady climb over barren ridges brings you to Barafu—Swahili for “ice.” Tents perch on a narrow, wind-scoured ridge above the cloud deck. After an early hot dinner, final summit briefing and kit check, lights out by 19:00.

Day 8 | SUMMIT DAY!

Barafu → Uhuru Peak 5 895 m → Mweka Camp 3 100 m

• Ascent: 6 – 7 hrs | Descent: 5 – 6 hrs | Total distance: ≈ 17 km

Wake at 23:30 for ginger tea, then follow a ribbon of head-torches up steep scree to Stella Point (5 685 m) in time for a fiery sunrise. A final hour along the crater rim places you on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and high-fives, descend to Barafu for brunch and on to the warmer, greener world of Mweka Camp.

Day 9 | Forest Finish & Farewell

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate 1 640 m | Hike: ± 3 hrs | Distance: 10 km

A jubilant stroll through bird-filled montane forest returns you to the gate, where you receive your gold (Uhuru) or green (Stella) summit certificate. Freshen up at the lodge, celebrate over lunch, then transfer by private car to Kilimanjaro Airport—or continue the adventure on safari or Zanzibar’s beaches.

Ready to trek Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful and remote route?

Contact us for a personalised quotation, secure your permit, and let the Lemosho magic begin.

The mountain is calling—answer from its wild west side.