12 Days – Easy Summit Route – West Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Climb
Route Profile: Gradual ascent with ample acclimatization time
via the West (Lemosho-Shira-Mawenzi-Rongai) Route
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
12 Days – Easy Summit Route (West Kilimanjaro via Lemosho–Shira–Mawenzi–Rongai)
Route Profile: Gradual ascent with excellent acclimatization, combining multiple routes for variety and fewer crowds.
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Route Highlights: Extended 12-day trek with slow altitude gain, remote northern trails, overnight at Crater Camp, and high summit success rate.
Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate–Challenging; long trek but best acclimatization on Kilimanjaro)
Style: Camping route with diverse scenery and unique overnight in the crater
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
• Activity: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Transfer to: Ndarakwai Ranch, West Kilimanjaro
• Elevation: ~1,400 m / 4,600 ft
• Accommodation: Ndarakwai Ranch
• Notes: Relax, gear check, meet your mountain team.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day
• Activity: Local hike in Ndarakwai area (gentle walk to 2,000 m max)
• Elevation Gain: ~600 m (optional)
• Accommodation: Ndarakwai Ranch
• Notes: Gentle hiking and wildlife viewing to begin acclimatization.
Day 3: Trek Begins – Transfer to Trailhead & Hike to Shira 1 Camp
• Start Point: Shira Gate (~3,400 m / 11,155 ft)
• End Point: Shira 1 Camp
• Elevation: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft
• Hiking Time: ~3-4 hours
• Notes: Begin on the Shira Plateau; slow pace for altitude adjustment
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
• Start: Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
• End: Moir Camp
• Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Hiking Time: ~6-7 hours
• Notes: Traverse scenic alpine terrain with views of Kibo peak
Day 5: Moir Camp to Pofu Camp (via Lent Hills – optional acclimatization)
• Start: Moir Camp (4,200 m)
• End: Pofu Camp
• Elevation: 4,020 m / 13,188 ft
• Hiking Time: ~5-6 hours
• Optional Side Hike: Lent Hills (up to 4,700 m)
• Notes: Less-traveled northern circuit route, great solitude.
Day 6: Pofu Camp to Rongai Second Cave Camp
• Start: Pofu Camp (4,020 m)
• End: Rongai 2nd Caves Camp
• Elevation: 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
• Hiking Time: ~5-6 hours
• Notes: Descent and re-ascent improves acclimatization
Day 7: Rongai 2nd Caves to Kikelewa Caves Camp
• Start: Rongai 2 Caves (3,450 m)
• End: Kikelewa Caves Camp
• Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Hiking Time: ~3-4 hours
• Notes: Gradual elevation gain; beautiful moorland scenery.
Day 8: Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Start: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
• End: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Elevation: 4,315 m / 14,157 ft
• Hiking Time: ~4-5 hours
• Notes: Camp beneath dramatic Mawenzi Peak; good rest day follows
Day 9: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
• Start: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315 m)
• End: Kibo Hut
• Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Hiking Time: ~5-6 hours
• Notes: Cross lunar-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 10: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Crater Camp
• Start (Midnight): Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
• Summit: Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Descent to: Crater Camp
• Elevation: 5,730 m / 18,800 ft
• Hiking Time: ~8-10 hours total
• Notes: Challenging but rewarding; overnight at high Crater Camp.
Day 11: Crater Camp to Mweka Gate (via Barafu and Mweka Route)
• Start: Crater Camp (5,730 m)
• End: Mweka Gate
• Elevation at Mweka Gate: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: ~7-8 hours
• Notes: Long descent day; final celebration with guides
Day 12: Departure
• Activity: Return transfer to airport or onward travel.
• Accommodation: Not included (depends on package)
• Notes: End of Kilimanjaro programme.
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