Things to do — Mount Kilimanjaro

The main experience of Kilimanjaro is obviously the summit climb, but it can be declined in several formats according to your objectives.

The Lemosho 7-8 day route is the recommended standard experience. Detailed itinerary: - Day 1: Moshi → Lemosho Londorossi Gate (3-4h road) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m) — 3-4h walking in forest. - Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) — 5-6h walking, exit from forest to moorland. - Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) — 4-5h on the Shira plateau. - Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,642 m, acclimatisation) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — 7-8h, classic 'climb high, sleep low'. - Day 5: Barranco → Karanga Camp (3,995 m) — 4-5h via the Barranco Wall (rocky path needing hands). - Day 6: Karanga → Barafu Camp (4,681 m) — 4-5h in high-altitude desert. Short sleep (8-11 pm) before summit attack. - Day 7: Barafu → Uhuru Peak 5,895 m at sunrise (5-7h night climb) → descent Barafu → Mweka Camp (3,100 m) — 12-14h cumulative, the hardest day. - Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640 m) — 3-4h descent in forest, minibus return to Moshi.

In complementary activities before or after the climb: - Mount Meru (4,565 m, 3-4 day trek, in Arusha National Park): excellent acclimatisation step before the Kili. Exceptional view of Kilimanjaro 75 km east from the Meru summit. 600-900 USD/person all-in. - Chaga coffee plantations accessible from Moshi (Materuni, Uru, Old Moshi): field visits, artisan roasting demonstration, tasting, traditional lunch. 30-50 USD/person, half-day. Excellent post-climb recovery activity. - Materuni waterfall (90 m, accessible from Moshi): 1h walk from the parking to the waterfall, swimming pool. Often combined with coffee plantation visit.