Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate where permits are issued and gear is checked. After registration, continue by vehicle to the Lemosho starting point. The trek begins through pristine montane rainforest, rich in flora and fauna such as black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail is relatively short and steady, helping your body to ease into the journey. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp in the late afternoon, where your tents are already pitched, and dinner awaits under the forest canopy.
Today’s trek is more challenging as you leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily with increasingly open views of the Shira Plateau. Along the way, enjoy panoramic vistas of Kibo Peak rising in the distance. After a long day, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the edge of the plateau, where you’ll rest, hydrate, and acclimate to the thinner air.
This is a relatively short but important acclimatization day. You’ll hike slowly across the plateau, enjoying wide views and open skies. The trail gently rises, passing scattered giant lobelias and unique high-altitude flora. After lunch at Shira 2 Camp, take a short acclimatization hike further up the plateau, then return to camp to relax. The afternoon offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy sunset views over the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru.
Today is a key acclimatization day. You’ll trek from Shira 2 to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, experiencing a high-altitude push that helps condition your body. After lunch and a rest at Lava Tower, descend into the scenic Barranco Valley. This descent provides a good opportunity for acclimatization by following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Arrive at Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and surrounded by beautiful valley views.
After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling scramble that rewards you with sweeping views at the top. The trail then undulates through rocky and alpine desert terrain with majestic views of the southern icefields. Arrive at Karanga Camp by midday, where you can rest and hydrate. This is another important acclimatization day to prepare your body for the summit push in the coming days.
Today is a relatively short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit attempt. The trail passes through a stark, windswept alpine desert. Once at camp, rest and hydrate, and prepare your gear for the night hike to the summit. After an early dinner, turn in early—summit night begins around midnight. The excitement and anticipation will be high.
At midnight, begin your summit attempt. Trek in the dark with your headlamp as your guide, navigating switchbacks up to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters. Watch the sunrise from the roof of Africa before beginning your descent. Return to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue downhill to Mweka Camp where you’ll enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain before descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement with your mountain team and receive your summit certificates. After check-out at the gate, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, rest, and celebration. Optional add-ons such as a massage or a safari extension are available.