11 Days Great Kilimanjaro Upgraded Trek Tour

Drive to the Londorossi Gate after breakfast and continue by Land Rover through the dense rainforest under the tangled canopy of moss coated vines, home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds. Enjoy lunch at the Morum Barrier Gate trailhead and commence your trek through the heath and moorland, eventually descending to your first camp. As the sun sets, the view of Kibo from across the Shira Plateau is breath taking.

Spend a full day exploring the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, arriving at Shira 2 camp this afternoon.

Proceed steadily upward through the heather and into the barren high altitude desert, toward the natural landmark called “Shark’s Tooth.” Continue to Moir Camp, a seldom-used but extremely scenic camp affording views over the Shira Plateau and upward to the Lent Group of lava plugs.

Begin your exploration of the Northern Circuit Route by heading further into the stark highland desert on a steep ridge off the main trail. From the Pofu Campsite you will enjoy a magnificent view into the wild lands of the north.

Proceed steadily onward through the barren mountain desert, continuing the circuit to the east where you’ll enjoy the vast, untraveled mountain wilderness. It is unusual to see other trekking groups, making the views and experience extraordinarily unique.

After a hearty breakfast, trek upward to reach a placid mountain lake at the foot of the majestic, steep ridges of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second highest volcano. The camp is nestled at the edge of the lake in a protected alcove with spectacular views towards Mawenzi’s cathedral-like spires.

Trek across the impressive saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, admiring the spectacularly stark landscape. The temperature turns cold as you near the foot of Kibo, reaching Outward Bound Camp after a relatively easy hike.

Depart after breakfast along a steep slope with switchbacks over loose rock, scree, and boulders as you near Gilman’s Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place described by Kilimanjaro first western climber in his journals. Arrive at the summit in the early afternoon hours when there are no other climbers and – typically – the best weather of the day. From the summit take a short descent to reach Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier.

Enjoy a morning hike to the Reusch Crater and central ash pit. The gaping mouth of this majestic, dormant volcano reveals a rare glimpse into a seemingly ‘other world’ — an impressive sight, to say the least. From there, make a steep descent to Barafu Camp in time for lunch. This afternoon, continue the descent into the Heath zone, stopping at Mweka Camp for the night.

On your final day you will descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. At the gate climber will be rewarded with certificates of their success! Pick up our gear and drive to our hotel in Moshi. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a comfortable bed, take a hot shower and celebrate the climb with a meal and some drinks. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

End of the trek