8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro

You leave Arusha for Londorossi Gate, about four hours, and complete entry formalities there, then drive another hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Lunch on arrival, then a walk through undisturbed forest that winds up to the first campsite.

Accommodation: Forest Camp

The trail leads out of the forest into savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock hung with beards of lichen. You climb through rolling hills, crossing several streams, and reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently onto the plateau. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is the one people remember from this route.

Accommodation: Moir Hut

From the Shira Plateau you continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo, then swing south-east towards the Lava Tower, known as the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly past it a second junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at 4,876m. You then descend to Barranco at 3,960m for dinner and overnight. Finishing at close to the height you started is the whole purpose of the day, and it does more for your summit chances than anything else on the route.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

The day starts by dropping into the head of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine, then climbing steeply out up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates you from the south-eastern slopes of Kibo. It is a scramble over rock rather than technical climbing, but it is long and tiring. You pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers towards the Karanga valley, then face a steep pull up to camp at Karanga, 3,963m. Anyone feeling strong can add a mid-afternoon acclimatisation walk to around 4,200m before coming back down for the night.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast you leave Karanga and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which has shown you the summit from several different angles. Make camp, rest and prepare for summit day; Mawenzi and Kibo are both visible from here.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Between midnight and 2am you set out for the summit, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route runs north-west up heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, and this is the hardest part of the whole trek. At Stella Point, 5,685m, you rest briefly, and weather permitting the sunrise from there is the finest you are likely to see. Expect snow underfoot for the hour it takes to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit you descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are worth having for the loose gravel on the way down.

Accommodation: Mweka Hut

After breakfast you continue down to Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificate. The lower ground can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt will usually be enough, but keep rain gear and something warm to hand. From the gate it is another hour to Mweka village, where a vehicle meets you for the drive to your hotel in Arusha.

After breakfast a driver collects you and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, which you book yourself. End of our services.