Mi Adventures'23

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel. Local representative will meet you and have a full pre-climb briefing in the evening.

After breakfast, we will drive to Lemosho Glades (approximately a 4-hour journey from Moshi). Following the registration, you'll embark on a trek through the pristine rainforest, beginning your ascent up the mountain. While this initial trek is not overly demanding, it offers ample opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude and immerse yourself in the vibrant Tanzanian wilderness. Keep a watchful eye for glimpses of Black and White Colobus monkeys, small antelope, and perhaps even the majestic presence of buffalos or elephants! After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you'll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, aptly named "Big Tree Camp", due to the towering conifer trees that provide shade and shelter for the campsite.

On the second day, you'll rise early for breakfast and begin a steeper ascent through the moorland vegetation zone. As you climb, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro. You'll continue along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic crater that was the first of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones to become extinct. The hike across the plateau offers stunning vistas of the eastern side and the dramatic glaciers of the western breach. As you approach the Shira Camp - 2 campsite, you'll be on the western side of Kibo Peak.

The route now leads you through semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock formation. You'll ascend a steep, rocky path to the top of Lava Tower, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views. After a challenging descent, you'll reach the Barranco Valley.

This day's trek is often more demanding than previous days, as some hikers may start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness (Climb high and sleep low). Although you'll finish at a similar elevation to where you started, this is excellent practice for acclimatization and will prepare your body for the summit push. Barranco Camp is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered valley beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.

This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you'll begin ascending the challenging Barranco Wall, which involves some scrambling. Once you conquer the wall, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of glacial valleys.

From the top of the wall, you'll traverse a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. Barranco, Spanish for "gorge," is a steep, 843-foot climb. After one final steep ascent, you'll reach Karanga Camp, where you can relax for the afternoon before dinner and a good night's rest.

After breakfast, you'll leave Karanga Camp and soon reach the junction with the famous Mweka Trail. From here, the route ascends steadily along a rugged, windswept ridge for about 1–2 hours, leading to Kosovo Camp, a quieter and slightly higher alternative to Barafu.

Perched at an altitude of around 16,000 ft (4,870 m), Kosovo Camp offers unobstructed, panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped summit and the vast plains stretching far below. Its elevated and more secluded setting provides a calmer atmosphere, ideal for rest and mental preparation before the summit push. Tents are pitched on rocky ground, exposed to the elements, yet the surrounding scenery is breathtaking—especially at sunset and under the star-filled night sky.

After dinner, head to bed early to prepare for the summit attempt. Prioritize sleep over thinking about summit day; more the rest you get, better equipped you'll be, for the challenge ahead.

This will be one of the longest and toughest days on the mountain. Just before midnight, you'll embark on your final ascent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. You'll head northwest through heavy scree, following multiple switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,756 m/18,885 ft). This is the most challenging part of the route and will require significant physical and mental exertion. Walking slowly (Pole – Pole) and following directions of your guide is very important.

After a short rest at Stella Point, you'll hike along the crater rim for another hour, reaching your ultimate goal—Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft)! Congratulations! You've made it to the "Roof of Africa." Take a moment to absorb the achievement and congratulate yourself on reaching the summit. Remember to take photos of the precious moments at the summit.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can stay, but it's crucial to start your descent in good time to ensure adequate rest at Barafu Camp. After resting, you'll gather your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m), where you'll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep.

After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), ensuring arrival at least three hours before your scheduled departure.