7 Days Lemosho Route

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry formalities. From here a forest track requiring one hour drive to Lemosho Glades. After lunch, we will walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA CAMP 1

Distance: 8km
Hiking Time:7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP 1 TO SHIRA CAMP

Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Moorland

A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP 2 TO BARRANCO CAMP

Distance:7km
Hiking Time:6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east towards the peak of Kibo and passing that junction. Here our path goes east, towards the Lava Tower, also called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we meet the second junction that brings us to the Arrow Glacier. From here we continue down to the Barranco Hut, where we will rest, have dinner and overnight. Despite the fact that we did not changed elevation from the point where we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit.

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we take short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. After a short and well deserved break we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time:7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance.

At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MOSHI/ARUSHA

Distance:10km
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

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7 Days Rongai Route

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO SIMBA CAMP

Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Beginning our Kilimanjaro expedition, you will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, embarking on a scenic 5-hour drive towards the Rongai Gate, situated near the Kenya border. Upon reaching the gate, we will proceed with the necessary registration process before embarking on our initial hike through captivating forests, where there is a strong possibility of encountering and enjoying the sights and sounds of wildlife.

Along the hike, we will take a break to relish a satisfying lunch on the trail before continuing towards our first campsite. It is important to note that the Rongai Route takes us up the mountain’s northern side, which features a lower density of forests.The Rongai Route distinguishes itself from other options available on Kilimanjaro due to its comparatively lower amount of foot traffic, primarily because it requires a longer distance to reach the gate. It is widely recognized as the route that offers the highest chance of encountering wildlife during the journey.

DAY 2: FIRST CAVE CAMP TO KIKELEWA CAMP

Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP

Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

On this day dedicated to acclimatization, you will experience a more relaxed schedule. The day begins with a morning hike, which is followed by a restful afternoon and evening. The hike itself is relatively brief but has steep inclines. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite, located beneath Mawenzi Peak, provides breathtaking vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN CAMPSITE

Distance: 4km
Hiking Time:3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise you hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO KIBO CAMP

Distance:4km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat:Alpine desert

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination.

DAY 6: KIBO CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT

Distance:6 km ascent/16km descent
Hiking Time:6-8 hours
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

At approximately midnight, commence the ultimate ascent towards Uhuru Peak, the highest summit in Africa. Over the next six hours, trek illuminated by the light of your flashlight. The journey to the rim of the crater presents the most demanding section of the entire trek, with the trail being exceedingly steep until you reach Gilman’s Point.

Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point, the hike from there to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, in terms of hiking difficulty, relatively moderate. However, the high altitude adds length and fatigue to the hike. It typically takes around two hours to traverse the crater rim. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, capture memorable photographs of your guide and group at the summit before commencing the descent towards Horombo Hut.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Distance:20km
Hiking Time: 6 – 8 hours
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands

Following breakfast, conclude the trek by descending to Marangu Gate. This final hike on Kilimanjaro is a splendid one, as you traverse through the captivating cloud forest of the mountain. It is important to exercise caution during the descent, as the trail may be slippery. At Marangu Gate, our vehicles will be ready and waiting to transport you back to your hotel.