Hey All! 


So since we will have very limited internet access/battery life on the mountain (and especially since we'll need to be focusing most of our energy on our surroundings, the limited O2 levels, the apparent flatulence, and of course, making it all the way to the summit) we thought we would lay out our itinerary for everyone to see now so you can get a feel for each day of our trek. 


We will be taking the Lemosho Route, which is an 8-day trek designed to allow us better acclimation to the altitude. We will be approaching the mountain from the west and gradually making our way to the top, hiking high each day and camping low at night until we get up to the summit of 19,340 feet!



Here's a breakdown of each of the 8 days along our trek: 


Day 1: June 25 (Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp)

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (7,380 ft). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (7,830 ft). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 2: June 26 (Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp)

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge (11,810 ft / 3,600 m) then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: June 27 (Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp)

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 4: June 28 (Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Hut)

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east, passing the junction near the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (15,997 ft / 4,876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut (12,664 ft / 3,860 m). Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.

Day 5: June 29 (Barranco Hut to Karanga Hut)

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite (13,780 ft / 4,200 m).

Day 6: June 30 (Karanga Hut to Barafu Hut)

After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut (15,092 ft / 4,600 m). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Day 7: July 1 (Barafu Hut to Summit then Mweka Hut)

Waking up very early (between midnight and 2 am) we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak (19,636 ft / 5,985 m). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite (10,171 ft / 3,100 m). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Day 8: July 2 (Mweka Hut to Moshi)

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. We then fly to the Serengeti for a 3-day safari before returning home!