Day 1: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel (around 6:30 AM) for transfer to Londorossi Gate (2,250m). After registration, drive to the trailhead and begin trekking through pristine rainforest.

The 3-4 hour hike covers 6km to Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp (2,650m). Spot colobus monkeys and rare birds in this less-traveled western approach. The trail is gentle with thick forest cover.

Arrive at camp where tents are ready. Evening temperatures are mild with high humidity.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m)

Gradual ascent through heather and moorland zones onto the Shira Plateau. The trail steepens as vegetation thins, revealing panoramic views of Kibo Peak.

Today's 6-8 hour trek covers 8km. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,550m), your first night on the volcanic plateau. Temperatures drop below freezing after sunset.

Optional short acclimatization walk to explore the plateau's unique rock formations.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)

Morning hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) for lunch, then ascend east toward Lava Tower (4,630m) for altitude adaptation.

Descend through the scenic Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp (3,900m). Total trekking time 6-8 hours covering 10km. The "walk high, sleep low" strategy boosts acclimatization.

Barranco Camp offers stunning views of the Barranco Wall and Kibo's southern glaciers.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Morning scramble up the Barranco Wall (4,200m) - a thrilling non-technical climb with handholds. Traverse ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp (3,995m).

This shorter 4-5 hour day allows for rest and acclimatization. Afternoon at leisure to hydrate and prepare for higher altitudes.

Karanga Camp sits in a dramatic valley with ever-changing cloud formations.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Steady ascent through alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,673m), your base for summit night. The 3-4 hour hike covers 4km but gains significant elevation.

Arrive by early afternoon for rest and summit preparations. Temperatures plummet after sunset - layer up and organize gear for the midnight start.

Light early dinner followed by attempted sleep before the 11:00 PM wake-up call.

Day 6: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m)

Begin the grueling 6-8 hour night ascent under stars, climbing steep scree to Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) rewards with sunrise over Africa.

Celebrate your achievement before descending to Barafu Camp for short rest. Continue down to Mweka Camp (3,080m). Total trekking time 12-16 hours covering ~17km.

Exhaustion gives way to pride as you reach the forested Mweka zone.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Final 3-4 hour descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trail is well-maintained but can be slippery after rain.

Receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Arusha. Arrive by mid-afternoon (around 3-4 PM) for hotel drop-off. You've conquered Kilimanjaro via the breathtaking Lemosho Route in 7 days!