Arrive in Moshi

Moshi - Welcome to Moshi, a charming and relaxed town nestled at the base of the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives will greet you and arrange transportation to your hotel.

No activities are scheduled for today, allowing you the freedom to explore the picturesque downtown area of Moshi.

Relaxation Day in Moshi

Moshi - Participate in a group briefing and pre-trip discussion. Meet your trekking guide and undergo a thorough gear check. Enjoy more exploration, join an informal group tour around town, visit the market, or enjoy lunch at a local coffee shop. Moshi is a small, comfortable city known for its laid-back atmosphere compared to its sister city, Arusha, so feel free to wander. There will also be time for any last-minute shopping needed for the trek.

Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart from Moshi to Londorossi / Lemosho Gate, a journey of about 4 hours, where entry formalities will be completed. The Lemosho Route, with its rich flora and fauna, cuts through a dense rainforest with untouched underbrush that sometimes grows across the narrow trail. After 3 to 4 hours, we will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, meaning “Big Tree” in Kiswahili.

Hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Continue on the trail, leaving the forest and entering a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. Ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo across the plateau is breathtaking.

Hike from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The hike to camp takes about four hours. Along the way, encounter the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.

Hike from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, continue east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The hike to camp takes about four hours. Along the way, encounter the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.

Hike Barranco to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue along a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is designed for acclimatization.

Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, depart Karanga and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Here, camp is set up, dinner is enjoyed, and preparations for the summit day are made. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Hike from Barafu Camp to the Summit, Descend to Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - In the early morning (midnight to 2 am), continue towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and ascend through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), take a short rest and enjoy the most magnificent sunrise you are likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa is reached. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel on the descent.

Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions may be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Departure

Moshi - For those returning home, transportation to the airport will be provided to catch your flight. Those embarking on a safari or traveling to Zanzibar will be picked up at the hotel the following day for their trip.

• National Park Entry fees
• Portable Toilet and Shower
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Oxygen Cylinder

• International or Local Flights
• Passport and Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Travel Documents (Yellow Fever Certificate etc.)

With fewer than 10 percent of climbers on this trail and the potential to see a variety of wildlife through dense jungle, Lemosho is our favorite way to enter the mountain. At 72 km (almost 45 miles), the longer route allows for more thorough acclimatization and a higher success rate to the summit.

The trail passes through five ecosystems, from dense forest and heather up through alpine desert and the glorious summit. Explore the many variations in landscape and climate on the way up the mountain and spend time capturing breath-taking photos of your surroundings as you move from jungle, to high desert, to snowy terrain on one of the more exciting routes on the mountain, but still manageable by the average adventurer.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.