A day 1 hike to Kilimanjaro will start just after breakfast and the Utmost Expeditions guide will pick you and drive four hours from Arusha (1400m) to Londorossi National Park Gate (2100m). In the village near Londorossi Gate, you will receive a packed lunch and can buy mineral water for the climb. Then the final 50 minutes of the drive leading up to the gate will be on a bumpy forest track requiring fwd. vehicles. At the entrance National park gate, our Utmost Expeditions guides and porters distribute the supplies and register with the Kilimanjaro National Parks. You are now ready to begin your 3-hour hike into the rainforest. Be on the lookout for black and white Colobus monkeys!

Along the way, you will stop for an afternoon lunch break and arrive at Mti Mkubwa Campsite in the early evening. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, your crew will set up your tent and boil water for drinking and washing. Your chef cook will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients,  Dinner, and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

After early Breakfast, you will start a Kilimanjaro climb passing rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. You will cross many streams and hikes over a plateau that leads to Shira two Camp At this campsite; you will be next to a stream and have a panoramic view of Mount Kilimanjaro Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the previous night, your tents will be set up before you arrive at camp and Utmost Expeditions porters will filter your drinking water. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by your chef cook. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp, Dinner and overnight at Shira Two Camp

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,976m
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert

This is a challenging yet essential acclimatization day. The trail leads toward Lava Tower (4,600m), a dramatic volcanic formation where you will pause for lunch and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. The terrain becomes more rugged, with fewer plants and an increasing presence of boulders and volcanic rock. After reaching the high point at Lava Tower, you will descend into the Barranco Valley, a lush and picturesque landscape filled with giant Senecio plants. You will spend the night at Barranco Camp (3,976m), situated beneath the towering Barranco Wall. The descent helps with acclimatization and prepares you for the next phase of the climb.

• Elevation: 3,976m to 3,995m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert

The day begins with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical section that requires some scrambling. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Karanga Valley. Once at the top, the trail descends slightly into Karanga Valley, a crucial water source for the camps ahead. After crossing the valley, a final short ascent brings you to Karanga Camp (3,995m). This is another important acclimatization stop, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude before the final push toward the summit.

• Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Today’s trek leads you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the final stop before the summit attempt. The terrain is rugged and barren, characterized by loose volcanic scree and strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold, harsh conditions of this high-altitude camp. Upon arrival, you will have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit push. At this altitude, the air is thin, and temperatures drop significantly, so proper layering and hydration are essential.

• Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068m
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent)
• Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
• Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

At midnight, you will begin the most challenging part of the trek—the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trail zigzags up steep switchbacks, passing Stella Point (5,756m), where the first rays of sunrise will illuminate the glaciers and volcanic craters below. From here, it’s another 45-minute trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! Celebrate your achievement with photos and enjoy the incredible views before beginning the long descent.

You will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,068m). The descent is steep and can be tough on the knees, but the drop in altitude provides much-needed oxygen and relief. You’ll enjoy a final night on the mountain before your journey back to civilization.

• Elevation: 3,068m to 1,640m
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Habitat: Rainforest

The final stretch takes you through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and diverse flora. The path is well-maintained, offering a gentle descent compared to previous days. Upon reaching Mweka Gate (1,640m), you will receive a summit certificate as a token of your incredible achievement. From here, you will be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, where a hot shower, a warm bed, and a well-deserved celebration await.

This marks the end of an unforgettable 7-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the Lemosho Route!