A three-hour drive from Moshi brings us to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate after registration we pick up a game ranger who will accompany us, as we might encounter elephants and buffaloes during our trek. Drive to the trail-head at Lemosho Glades and start the trek through the rain forest. In places the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the narrow track. The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other more popular routes through the rain forest. Our trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber's Route. In about 3-4 hours we will reach our camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) at 2795m.
After breakfast, start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 610m. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau which is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro's volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak. Overnight Shira 1 Camp at 3505m.
After breakfast continue hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. You only gain 214 feet in elevation - this allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are nothing less than spectacular. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp 3720m.
It's about a 7 hour superb hike today. We pass the Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend to Barranco, your most spectacular campsite, at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above. Our camp is only 142m higher than where we were last night, but our walk will have taken us to just over 4300m today. This is one of your most valuable days for acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco 3865m.
From the Barranco Hut we ascend up the Barranco wall and walk across screed and ridges to Karanga Valley (4100m) with breathtaking views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. Lunch is often taken here, depending on progress. The afternoon can be spent on an acclimatization hike, before spending the night at Karanga Valley.
After a relaxing start, about 2 hours from Karanga we will come out on the Barafu path (part of the Mweka Trail). It is a further 1-2 hours to Barafu. The last stage to Barafu camp is quite steep, and as always we advise taking it as easy as possible. This is the day that leads to the final ascent and so being as relaxed as possible, both mentally and physically, is the best advice. In the evening you will be briefed for the final ascent.
You will be woken in the middle of the night and start the final ascent. We plan to reach Stella Point by sunrise. (About 6 or more hours) At dawn, from the Crater rim, rugged Mawenzi is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater's ice-walls looming ahead. If you feel strong enough, you continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hours) This is the highest point in Africa, and the world's highest solitary peak (5895m). This is the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced. You will have ascended 1100m and descended 2,200m in a period of 12-15 hours. We continue down to Mweka Hut (3-4 hours from the top).
The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Village (1450m), where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to the Arusha Hotel. Relax, take a hot shower and celebrate your achievement.
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