Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2,385m/7,825ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m/9,121ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Altitude gain: 395m/1,296ft
• Description: The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate (2,250m/7,380ft) where you’ll register and meet your guides and porters. From there, you’ll drive to the Lemosho trailhead (2,385m/7,825ft). The first day involves a relatively easy hike through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m/9,121ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,499ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Altitude gain: 725m/2,378ft
• Description: The trail ascends steadily through the forest, emerging into moorland with increasingly sparse vegetation. You’ll have your first clear views of Kibo Peak as you approach Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,499ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,890m/12,762ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 4-6 hours
• Altitude gain: 385m/1,263ft
• Description: Today’s hike takes you across the Shira Plateau, a high desert plateau with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll gain altitude gradually, helping with acclimatization.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,890m/12,762ft) to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) via Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 7-9 hours
• Altitude gain: 740m/2,430ft (to Lava Tower), then descent to Barranco Camp
• Description: This is a challenging day with a significant altitude gain and then descent for acclimatization. You’ll ascend to the Lava Tower for acclimatization purposes before descending to Barranco Camp. The scenery changes dramatically as you traverse the Alpine Desert.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,107ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 4-5 hours
• Altitude gain: 35m/115ft (minimal gain)
• Description: This is a shorter day that involves climbing the Great Barranco Wall, a steep, but non-technical ascent. Once at the top, you’ll have incredible views before descending to Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,107ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)

• Walking hours: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Altitude gain: 678m/2,224ft
• Description: Today’s hike is relatively short but steep, as you make your way to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. You’ll spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit push.