Kilimanjaro: to the Summit via Lemosho

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), for a meeting with the team and a transfer to the hotel. Check in and check your equipment. In the evening, there is a team briefing.

Transfer to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m), and make an acclimatisation walk to 3,000 m. After breakfast, the group checks out of the hotel, hands over porter duffel bags (15 kg per person), and sets off on the approximately 3–4-hour drive to Londorossi Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park at 2,250 m. Once the paperwork is done, the walking part of the journey begins. The walk from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp takes around 3–4 hours and covers 6 kilometres. The camp is at 2,650 m.

Trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m). An early start, packing and breakfast are followed by a walk of around eight kilometres across the Shira Plateau. The altitude gain is very gradual. In good weather, Kibo is visible, Kilimanjaro’s central and highest volcanic cone. Kibo is home to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After 5–6 hours of trekking, the group reaches Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m). After settling into the tents and having lunch, there is time to rest, chat and explore the surrounding area. Briefing and dinner in the evening.

Trek from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m). A scenic walk across the heather-covered plateau lies ahead, with a modest, gradual gain in altitude. If the weather is good, the route includes a climb of Cathedral Peak, which stands at 3,872 m. On arrival at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m), the group settles into the tents and has lunch. Afterwards, a short walk a little higher is possible. Briefing and dinner in the evening.

Trek from Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) to Barranco Camp (3,900 m) via Lava Tower (4,623 m). During the first half of the day, the route climbs gradually to the camp at 4,623 metres beneath the Lava Tower rock formation. The ascent from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp takes around 4–5 hours. Lunch and an acclimatisation stop of at least an hour are planned here. After lunch, the route descends to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), with views of the Barranco Wall. Time to settle into the tents and rest. Briefing and dinner in the evening.

Trek from Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga Camp (3,990 m). An early start. Packing and breakfast are followed by departure. The main obstacle today, and the most interesting part, is the Barranco Wall. It looks huge and sheer, but do not be alarmed: there is a good walking trail with a few easy climbing moves, also known as scrambling. Still, at the foot of the wall, it is best to put away your trekking poles so that both hands stay free until reaching the top of the wall and the shoulder at 4,200 m. After a rest and tea here, trekking poles can be used again for the onward journey to Karanga Camp. From here, descents alternate with climbs, and barren landscapes give way to green heather groves. Many people worry about the Barranco Wall, yet this can become one of the most enjoyable days of the trip. Apart from the summit climb itself, the wall is the most interesting and memorable part. Do not worry. Get ready to enjoy yourself. It really is a brilliant day! Lunch is at Karanga Camp. Afterwards, a short walk with another 200 metres of ascent is possible if energy allows. Briefing and dinner in the evening. And yes, the sunsets here are usually beautiful!

Trek from Karanga Camp (3,990 m) to Barafu, the main summit base camp (4,666 m). After reaching summit base camp, a hearty lunch is followed by rest before the night-time summit departure. Dinner may be skipped to avoid interrupting sleep. This is an individual choice: three meals a day are included, and dinner is available to anyone who wants it.

Climb from Barafu Camp (4,666 m) to the summit of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), then descend to Millennium Camp (3,950 m). The high point of the journey, and its longest and most demanding day! But this is the day all the previous stages have been leading towards. Wake-up is at 23:00, followed by breakfast and departure at midnight. A challenging climb leads from summit base camp to the crater up a fairly steep slope, with the zigzags of the trail easing the gradient somewhat. You may often read that Kilimanjaro is an easy mountain, but do not underestimate it: reaching the summit requires good fitness and responsible, disciplined preparation before the trip. The ascent from base camp to the crater rim at Stella Point, at 5,744 m, usually takes 6–7 hours. From Stella Point, there is not far to go: around another hour to an hour and a half of walking with a gentle ascent. There will be time on the summit for photographs and to enjoy the experience and the views. But it is too early to relax. The descent still lies ahead, and it is just as demanding as the ascent, or even harder for some people. The descent leads to Barafu Camp for lunch and packing, followed by the onward descent to Millennium Camp. Millennium is back in the green heather zone, at 3,950 m. By arrival, deep tiredness may be accompanied by an immense sense of achievement. The experience is best discovered in person. Despite the tiredness, the routine remains: a briefing before dinner, because the journey is not over yet, followed by rest in the tents. There is another day of walking tomorrow.

Descend from Millennium Camp (3,950 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park. The descent follows a steep trail through the forest, rocky at first and then earthy. Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and occasionally duikers can be seen here. So, despite the tiredness, it is important to stay focused and attentive. This helps avoid unpleasant falls, even if no animals are spotted. At Mweka Gate, lunch follows the completion of the climb. A transfer then returns the group to the hotel for check-in and a long-awaited shower.

Fly home. Or, if you wish, extend ythe journey with a visit to Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and/or other places where you can get to know the African wildlife familiar from wildlife programmes. After the programme, you can independently arrange a trip to Zanzibar to relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This stay is not included in the programme and is not organised by Sauvage Adventure.