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Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2285m, 2 hours). From here, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite (2780m, 3 hours).
The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed, then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3500m, 5 hours). This campsite could be omitted.
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3900m, 1.5 hours). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after this, you descend to Barranco hut (3960m, 4 hours).
A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (3963m, 3 hours). Excellent views of the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Day 6 & 7 Video
After climbing out of the Karanga Valley, the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4640m (3 hours walking).
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here, a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Video
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 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 rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Drive back to the hotel.
