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Day 1: Mti Mkubwa campsite
2100- 2750m, 3 hours)
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi
Park Gate (2250m, 2 hours). From here a forest track requiring a
4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes or
more if you want or have to walk) and a possible campsite.
Continue along muddy forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree)
campsite, (2750m, 3 hours).
Day 2: Shira Hut/cave 2750m
to 3800m
About 4 hours We continue along the moors;
depending on the schedule, fitness and acclimatization we can
sleep either at the Shira 1 campsite (3500m), the Shira Cave
(3600m or at the Shira plateau (3800m) . This day can be cut
into 2 separate days for an easier climb with better
acclimatisation.
Day 3: Barranco Hut 3840m to
3860m About 6 hours
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the
east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we
continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the
Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower,
we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow
Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to
the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest,
enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the
same elevation as when you started, this day is very important
for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit
day.
Day 4: To Karanga Valley
3860m to 4200m About 4 hours
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and
continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, which
requires scrambling but is not too technical. We continue
through the Karanga Valley (4200m) where our camp will be
located.
Day 5: Barafu Hut 4200 to
4600m About 4 hours
We pass the junction which connects with the
Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at
an altitude of 4,600 meters. You have completed the South
Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different
angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for
the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen
from this position.
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Hut
4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
About 11 hours Early morning, we continue our
way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This part of
the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at
these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the
hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.
At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount
Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see
the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our
descent continuing straight down to the Millennium camp at 3800m
or the Mweka Hut camp site at 3,100 meters. This part of the
descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking
poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we
enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut --
the only place on this route.
Day 7: Moshi 3100m to 1830m
About 4 hours After breakfast.
We continue the descent down to the Mweka
Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters
and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably
be plenty to wear (keep raingear and warmer clothing handy). A
vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to
hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and
porters.
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