Advantages - Scenic, western ascent - Fewer climbers - Beautiful views of Kilimanjaro - Crosses the scenic Shira Plateau - Longer climb allowing for greater acclimatization (8 day climb recommended) - High success rates - Possibility to see wildlife Disadvantages - More expensive as there are additional fees and it is a longer ride to the trailhead - May not be possible to access the trailhead during the wet season

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Itenarary

• Day 1

  Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft)

  After registering at the gate, drive to the trailhead and enjoy a picnic lunch before starting the trek to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Pass through the rain forests of Kilimanjaro viewing trees and birds along the way. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and relax for the rest of the day.

• Day 2

  Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,480m/11,420ft)

  Hike through the forest en route to Kilimanjaro’s moorland and enjoy the stunning variety of beautiful wildflowers. As the trail flattens out, take in your first views of Kibo peak. After lunch climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira crater. Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day.

• Day 3

  Shira I (3,480m/11,420ft) to Shira II Camp (3,860m/12,600ft)

  This is an acclimatization day that allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. Look to the west at sunset and you may catch a glimpse of the twin eruptions from the craters of Ol Donyio Lengai (The Mountain of God), an active volcano 100 kilometers distant.

• Day 4

  Shira II Camp (3,860m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

  Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, continue east on the Shira Plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame Route. Continue through the barren landscape for another thirty minutes before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. From the high point see the Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting from the mountainside. Optional detour via Lava Tower. The descent to Barranco Camp will take you through a valley that is home to many unusual plants including the Senecio Kilimanjari. Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the route. It is set in a canyon among forests of Senecio Kilimanjai beneath the Heim glacier. From the campsite, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Meru, Heim Glacier, Kibo’s southern face and the imposing Barranco Wall.

• Day 5

  Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)

  Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour-and-a-half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley. Karanga Camp is located on the ridge above the river valley.

• Day 6

  Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

  After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During the hike you will pass the Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will need to wake before midnight to start your summit ascent.

• Day 7

  Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Crater Camp (5,715m/18,750ft)

  Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave Barafu Camp early in the morning to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep up your energy. You will likely lose your appetite during the hike and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness. After ascending Kibo\'s wall, hike to Crater Camp, the highest camp on Kilimanjaro. The camp is located inside Kilimanjaro\'s Kibo crater, and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers. Some climbers choose to summit in the afternoon instead of the following morning.

• Day 8

  : Crater Camp (5,715m/18,750ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

  At dawn, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, taking up to two hours to gain 180 meters. Reach Uhuru around 8am and take photos at the roof of Africa. Descend to Barafu Camp where you\'ll eat brunch. At 1pm continue to Mweka Camp, your final camp on Kilimanjaro.

• Day 9

  Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

  After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi. You can buy t-shirts, souvenirs and sodas at the gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the gate before departing the mountain.

Accommodation

Included

- Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and trop off after tour - 3 nights at Park view hotel, bed and breakfast - All entry/camping/rescue fees on Climbing - Transport from Hotel to Lemosho starting point/Mweka gate to Hotel. - Camping Equipment- sleeping tents/mess tents/table/chair/sleeping mattresses - 3 meals a day while on trekking- breakfast/lunch and Dinner - Salary for Guides/cook and porters - 3 liters of water per each of first day on trekking - Fluently English & experience Guides - Full first Aid Kit- Ox-meter and Oxygen

Excluded

- International and Domestic Flight - Visa to entering to Tanzania - Tipping - Personal climbing Gears- Sleeping bag/all warm and rain gears. - Any personal items.

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