The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day
Day 1: The Ascent to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your journey begins with a drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. After registering, you will begin your hike through the lush rainforest. Your first destination is the “Big Tree” Camp (Mti Mkubwa), a peaceful and remote camp where you’ll settle in for the night.
- Elevation: 2,360m to 2,820m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Into the Heath and Moorland
You will continue your hike, leaving the forest behind and entering the open moorland. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend to the Shira Plateau. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped summit of Kibo.
- Elevation: 2,820m to 3,500m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Day 3: Across the Shira Plateau
Today is a more gentle and panoramic day as you cross the vast Shira Plateau. The landscape is dotted with unique plants and volcanic rock formations. The views are incredible. You will hike to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m), which has a spectacular view of the mountain’s glaciers.
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: The Acclimatization Climb
Today is crucial for your success. You will hike high to Lava Tower (4,630m), a key point in your acclimatization strategy. After a rest at this high point, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) for the night. You’ll end the day at a similar elevation to where you started, but your body will have worked to adapt to the higher altitude. This is where the Lemosho route merges with the Machame.
- Elevation: 3,900m to 4,630m to 3,950m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: The Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Your day begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall. This non-technical but steep rock face is a memorable challenge. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue hiking up and down through hills and valleys, eventually reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m). This shorter day allows you to rest and further acclimatize.
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: The Final Push to Barafu Camp
Today is another half-day hike, continuing your steady ascent. The landscape becomes more barren as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,600m), your base camp for the summit. You’ll have a hearty lunch and then spend the rest of the day resting and preparing your gear for the midnight summit push.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,600m
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Summit Day! The Ultimate Victory
Your final, most challenging stage begins just after midnight. You will climb through the night, pushing on the scree slopes to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. As the sun rises, you’ll make the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa! After celebrating your victory, you will begin the long descent to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for a well-deserved night’s rest.
- Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,090m
- Distance: 6 km up / 13 km down
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit & Montane Forest
Day 8: The Final Descent
After breakfast, you will begin your celebratory descent through the lush rainforest. You’ll arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,640m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
