INCLUDED

1: Transport from JRO airport

2: A warm bed and english breakfast the night before and the night after the trek

3: All food on the climb

4: Transfer to and from the gate

5: Tents (four seasons, 3-person mountain tent – double occupancy), 

chairs and tables & accommodation

6: Mattresses (sleeping pad foam, 1.5 inches thick)

7: First aid kit & bottle of oxygen & pulse oximeter & personal stretcher

8: Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees

9: Forest fees (where they apply)

10: Fees for the guides and porters (as per government regulations), 

(food and public liability insurance for the guides & porters)

11: Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes

NOT INCLUDED 

1: Transport back to the airport

2: 3 liters of water for the first day.

3: Drinks

4: Tips for guides and porters

5: Food on the first and last night at the hotel

6: Personal equipment for mountain climbing

Day One

You will be picked up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport after your arrival and then be transfered to Zion Gates Foundation for an overnight stay.

We depart from Janibichi Adventures Ltd to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite. 

We continue on the trail, leaving the rainforest behind, and enter a savannah landscape with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

We explore the Shira Plateau with a gentle walk east across the moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

We continue to the east, ascending a ridge, and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300-ft-tall volcanic rock formation. Afterward, we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a less frequently used campsite located at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers various walking opportunities on Lent Hills, making it an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers fantastic views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and extend to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

As we ascend Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled, and we will enjoy the mountain wilderness feel it offers. We trek through remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we reach Third Cave.

We climb steadily up and over the "Saddle," which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue to our camp, School Hut. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Very early in the morning, around midnight, we embark on our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part 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, taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 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 make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop 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.

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 for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to Janibichi Adventures Ltd.

Day Eleven: Departure!