The western approach across the Shira Plateau. Quieter than Machame for the first three days, more remote in feel, and with an acclimatisation profile that produces summit rates around 85 percent.
Drive to Londorossi Gate on the western slopes, then 6km through montane forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,780m, 3 to 4 hours. Elephant and buffalo sign is common here.
8km climbing out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau at 3,505m, 5 to 6 hours, with the first open views of Kibo.
A gentle 7km plateau crossing to Shira 2 at 3,850m, 4 to 5 hours, with an afternoon acclimatisation walk towards Shira Cathedral.
Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630m for lunch, then descend to Barranco at 3,960m. 10km, 6 to 8 hours.
Barranco Wall at first light, then a short day to Karanga at 3,995m. Afternoon rest.
Move to Barafu at 4,673m by early afternoon. Sleep from 19:00 and depart for the summit around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m at sunrise, then descending to Millennium or Mweka Camp.
Descend through rainforest to the gate, collect certificates and transfer to Moshi.
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Lemosho is quieter and more scenic for the first three days and costs slightly more because of the longer gate transfer. Success rates are comparable at seven days. If you value solitude, choose Lemosho.
The Lemosho forest section has elephant, buffalo and colobus monkey. You walk with an armed ranger on day one for that reason.
The highest success rate we offer on a standard route. Eight days gives the body time to adapt properly, with a Karanga rest…
The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. Drier than the southern routes, far quieter, and the best…
The newest and longest route, circling the entire northern slopes. Nine days produces the highest summit success on the…
