Choose this route which provides plenty of time for acclimatization and takes in the entire scenery of the mountain as it practically traverses it from west to east. The access via the western route requires a bit longer drive to the trailhead but is well worth it as you get to drive through some wild country and may even be lucky enough to spot buffalo or an elephant. Itinerary DAY01 Kilimanjaro airport to moshi Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town which is known as the gateway to Kilimanjaro. Meet Tanzanian your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day. DAY02 Mti mkubwa camp (2900 m/9,500 feet), 6 km/4 miles (3 to 4 hours) It is between 3 and 4 hours of driving to reach Londorossi Gate, the starting point for the climb. It's an interesting drive through some remote country so keep your eye out for wildlife. Another few hours of formalities with the park rangers at the gate and you will be on the trail. The trail goes through the lowland forests where you're likely to spot the large Colobus monkeys which are fairly common. DAY03 Shira 2 (3875 m/12,715 feet), 16 km/9 miles (7 to 8 hours) The first part of the day's trek is fairly steep as you climb up out of the jungle and into the moorland ecosystem dominated by Giant Heathers and a variety of grasses and wildflowers. First, reach Shira Ridge before the trail continues slightly downhill across the broad expanse of the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp for rest and lunch. Continue on to Shira 2 camp across the Shira Plateau, and are able to admire the Western Breach if the skies are clear. Today's long day allows more time to acclimatize at the higher camps with shorter days before your big summit day. DAY04 Barranco camp (3,983 m/13,066 feet), 10km/6 miles (5 to 8 hours) Leaving Shira 2 in the morning, you climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. The trail ascends to the Lava Tower site (15000 feet / 4600m) before descending back down into Barranco Valley. The area before the campsite is known as the "Garden of the Senecios", which features many huge Senecio plants as well as the shorter lobelia plants. Its 7 to 8 hours walking and the total ascent is only 110m total but having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization. DAY05 Karanga camp (13,066 feet/3,983 m), 5 km/3 miles (4 to 5 hours) Today consists of a challenging climb up the steep Barranco wall (some scrambling but not technically difficult), easily one of the highlights of the trek. You'll be able to admire the majestic views at the top before dropping into the Karanga Valley where you will break for lunch and spend the second half of the day resting and acclimatizing. DAY06 Barafu high camp (15,239 feet/4,645 m), 5 km/3 miles (4 to 5 hours) Today make your final push to Base Camp, and you see your longer early days paying off on this day. Arrive at Barafu at lunchtime allows you to spend the day resting your legs and preparing for the big push to the roof of Africa. After a hearty dinner, you will retire to your tents for a little shut-eye before you begin your climb at midnight. DAY07 Uhuru peak altitude (5895 m/19340 ft) Walking Distance: 5 km/3 miles ascent + 12 km/7 miles descent (10-16 hours) The day starts at midnight with the final push to the summit. It's a cold and gruelling six-hour hike to summit rim up a steep slope. The trail is doable but steep with many switchbacks. The summit rim is reached just about sunrise and it's a fairly level hike around the rim to Uhuru Peak the ultimate summit and highest point in Africa. Going down, you will head back to Barafu Hut for a short nap and snacks before continuing down to Mweka camp (3068m / 10,065feet). One of the reasons for such a long day of trekking is to avoid problems with acclimatization and get you back down to a lower elevation quickly. DAY08 Mweka campsite to moshi (3068m/10,065 feet) Walking Distance: 10 km/6 miles (3 to 4 hours) From Mweka campsite, it is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night and to have a final farewell dinner with your guides. DAY09 Moshi After breakfast, according to your flight time, the guide will drop you at the airport or assist you in catching the shuttle to Nairobi. End of the services. Included 9 day adventure, 7 of which include 3 meals a day 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi, breakfast included Airport pick-up from Kilimanjaro Airport All ground transfers Accommodation while trekking Private toilet tent National Park entry fees Fully-licensed, English-speaking Tanzanian guide Porter service on the trek First aid kit Trip completion certificate Farewell dinner Excluded All items of a personal nature Gratuities for safari guide and mountain teams Airport departure tax Travel insurance Visa fee (50 USD /100 USD for American & Irish Passport Holders – to be paid upon arrival) Sleeping bag (rental fee 15 USD) Any nights after the climb