Upon arrival, at Londorossi Park Gate, your entry is officially recorded in the Kilimanjaro National Park system. Following this, you embark on a one-hour drive to Lemosho Gate, the starting point of the trail. Subsequently, you will trek for three to four hours until reaching Mti Mkubwa, fondly referred to as the Big Tree Camp. This marks your evening spent sleeping under the sky in tented accommodations!

After enjoying a breakfast in the morning, you start your journey up, from the rainforest into the moorland areas. Along the way, you pass by streams and trek across a plateau that eventually takes you to Shira 2 Camp. From this camping spot you are treated to a sight of the Western Breach, created by lava flow, as well as views of majestic glaciers. Today’s trek took five to six hours in total.
Time taken: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km

Today take a stroll, on the Shira Plateau. Enjoy the sight of the Western Breach. This is the spot where molten lava burst through the edge of Kibo Peak. The plant life here is truly captivating featuring towering lobelias and massive groundsels that're unique, to Kilimanjaro.
Time taken: 6-7 hours
Distance: 6 km

Today we start by ascending a ridge and then proceed southeast towards the Lava Tower, a towering rock formation standing at 300 feet. We make our way down to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique and enchanting Senecio Forest, reaching an altitude of 13,000 feet. Despite starting and finishing the day at the elevation, the time spent at altitudes proves to be highly advantageous, for acclimatization purposes.
Part 1 | Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Time taken: 4–6 hours
Distance: -8 km
Part 2: Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Time taken: 2–3 hours
Distance: 3 km

Today’s hike will take around four to five hours. Is crucial, for getting used to the altitude. After breakfast, it's time to tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face. While it might seem daunting initially, most hikers find it less challenging than expected. Once you reach the top of the wall, you'll be greeted with views of the ice fields and the summit, above the clouds. The path then meanders up and down until you reach Karanga Camp.
Time taken: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km

We depart from Karanga. Reach the intersection that links with the Mweka Trail. We proceed up the path to Barafu Hut. Upon reaching this point you have finished the Southern Circuit, providing perspectives of the summit. Here we set up camp, relax, and savor a dinner in readiness for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible, from this vantage point.
Time taken: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km

In the hours of the morning, as the clock strikes midnight, we kick off our journey, towards the peak. This leg of the trek tests us both mentally and physically. The biting cold and fierce winds at this altitude and time of day are no joke. We steadily climb in darkness for hours taking frequent breaks along the way. As we approach Stella Point at 18,900 feet, a breathtaking sunrise unfolds over Mawenzi Peak—a sight to behold. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the spot-on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
From the summit, our descent leads us down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a pit stop at Barafu for lunch. The path is rugged and can be tough on the knees; trekking poles come in handy here. Nestled in the forest region, Mweka Camp often sees mist or rain in the afternoon. As night falls, we savor our mountain dinner before settling in for a well-deserved rest.
Time taken: 7-8 hours
Distance: 10 km

On our day we make our way down, to Mweka Gate. Receive our summit certificates. The lower regions might get damp and muddy. We then trek for an hour to reach Mweka Village from the gate. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to transport us back to the hotel, in Moshi.