Day 1: Arusha to Lemosho Forest Camp

Early departure after an early breakfast, after completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi National Park gate, it is an easy day of walking from the Lemosho road head up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We have our lunch in the glades before continuing to Lemosho Forest camp (2,650 in.). This area is home to a variety of game including buffalo, and so we are accompanied by an armed park ranger. [2-3 hours walking]

Day 2: Lemosho to Shira Camp

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially when the afternoon mists come in! We might walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock flanked by steep pinnacles, before reaching the next camp near Shira Cave (3,720 in.). This campsite has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [6 – 8 hours walking] Shira Camp 1

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3550m) to Shira Hut 3840m

We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3,840 m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [3-6 hours walking]

Day 4: Shira camp 1 to Moir Camp

In the morning we cross part of the plateau heading north to reach our campsite at Moir Hut (4,200m) for lunch. After which there is an excellent acclimatization walk up onto the Lent Hills, the summit of which is at 4,700 metres. [4-7 hours walking]

Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,500 in.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,940 in.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking] Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco to Karanga

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. Karanga Camp [3 -5 hours walking]

Day 7: Karanga to Barafu

The terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 in.) by mid day. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. There are often spectacular views to the plains far below from Barafu. [3 – 5 hours walking] Barafu Camp.

Day 8: Barafu to Uhuru Peak then to Millenium Camp

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well graded zig- zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 in.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 in.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,800 m) Millenium. [11-15 hours walking]

Day 9: Millenium to Moshi / Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! [4-6 hours walking]