Kilibackpackers

Early morning after having your breakfast, the crew will pick you up from the hotel and
you will all departure from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, it will take about 4 hours where you
will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, upon arrival at
trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site at
Mti Mkubwa and overnight there.

Elevation: 7,742 ft. to 9,498 ft.
Distance: 6 km/ 4 miles
Hiking Time; 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

In the morning after the breakfast, we will continue on the trail leading out of the rain
forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen
beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will
reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our
first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation: 9498 ft. to 11,500ft.
Distance: 8 km/ 5 miles
HikingTime: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

After the breakfast, we explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on
moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir
Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent
Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the
highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 11500ft. to 13,800ft.
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower –
a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the
strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and
end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for
acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 13, 800 ft. to 15, 190 ft.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft. to 13,044 ft.
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.
Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the
Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into
Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day
meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
Distance; 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave to Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We
continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the
Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we
make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks
of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position

Elevation: 13,106 ft. to 15,331 ft.
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is
the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at
this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several
hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be
rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over
Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro
and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut
camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on
the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and
mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last
dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 15,331 ft. to 19,341 ft.
Distance: 5 km/ 3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19341 ft. to 10,065 ft.
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit
certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue
another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us
back to the hotel Moshi.

Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Meal Plan: Lunch
Overnight: Salinero Hotel

Sadly, it is already
the end of your
vacation, the time
to go home has
arrived. So, enjoy
your last hours in
Tanzania before
our driver comes to pick you up and take you to the airport.
After this vacation you will go home with a backpack full of memories and a lot of
beautiful pictures. They will forever remind you of the fantastic moments. We will do
everything in our power to make this the most special dream vacation! This is what we
did and will continue to do.