Kilimanjaro Summit Climb - Northern Icefields

The big day has finally arrived and everyone will feel a mixture of nerves and excitement as they meet up for the long-awaited flight to Tanzania. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime!

Departing early, there is a drive to Londorossi Gate where the group will register for the climb. From here you’ll be driven to the trailhead at 2,350m where you will meet the main support team and have lunch before a 3-4 hours trek through the rainforest to camp 1 at Big Tree (2,785m).
The Lemosho approach begins with an exciting rainforest trail from the Lemosho Glades, passing through areas where the vegetation is so undisturbed that it grows right across the narrow track.
The first camp site at Big Tree, is in the heart of the rainforest. (B,L,D)

Height Gain 435m. Distance 6kms.

Accommodation: Camping

Today is a relatively easy day, intended to help acclimatisation. Leaving camp this morning, you trek east across Shira Plateau before detouring to the top of Shira Cathedral (3,860m) – a high ridge with spectacular views. 
Descending the ridge, you continue to your camp on the eastern slopes of Shira Crater. (B,L,D)

Height Gain 395m. Distance approx. 7kms (+ 3kms if trekking to Shira Cathedral)

Accommodation: Camping

The trek today starts by heading eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Along the way there is further opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude. Climbing out of Moir Valley, you continue up on to the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375m) and then, time allowing, on to the main peak of the Lent Group (4,700m). Underfoot is a little loose rock and scrambling but only for a short time. 
The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Two Camp, your North Face base camp at 4,030m. At this wild camp you can marvel at the spectacle of the Kenyan flatlands extending out into the horizon. (B,L,D)

Height Gain 500m. with Lent Group and Height in camp 4030m. Distance 10kms.

Accommodation: Camping

After an early start, you continue up the North Face ridges and scree slopes to the northern rim of the great caldera of Kilimanjaro. As the sun comes up, the scenery of this unique, amazing wilderness route will gradually unfold. 
The first major landmark is the magnificent Northern Icefields – and you will be viewing these at close hand – a privilege that no other Kilimanjaro route offers. The route crosses east and curves around the southern rim of the Reusch Crater and on towards the remnants of the Furtwangler Glacier. From here the trek gets tough with a 300m climb up the inner crater wall on a steep zig zagging trail which takes us back up to the rim of the crater and on to Kilimanjaro’s summit at Uhuru Point (5,895m).
Enjoy the amazing views and look north to see in the remote distance the point where you entered and crossed the crater of Kilimanjaro – a real affirmation of your achievement! It’s a fast trek down the scree slopes to Barafu Campsite (4,700m), which you should reach by mid-afternoon. Then, after tea and snacks, continue down on an easy trail to Millenium Camp where you will have your final night of camping. Realistically be prepared for 14 to 16 hours on the climb and trek down today. (B,L,D)

Distance: 7kms climb to the summit and then a further 12kms to walk off.

Accommodation: Camping

As you say goodbye to Kilimanjaro and head back home, emotions are likely to be mixed having completed an incredible challenge. The flight home is the perfect opportunity to reflect on all you’ve achieved and swap details with your inspiring teammates. (B)