Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Lemosho Gate, where the trail immediately enters a dense rainforest teeming with life. Giant ferns, towering trees, and the calls of exotic birds create an enchanting backdrop for your first day of trekking. The path is gently inclined, making it an ideal introduction to the altitude. Along the way, you may spot colobus monkeys swinging gracefully through the canopy. By late afternoon, you reach Big Tree Camp, nestled among ancient trees, providing a peaceful first night amidst the rainforest.

Today, the forest begins to thin out, and the trail emerges onto the Shira Plateau. The landscape opens to rolling moorlands dotted with giant lobelias and groundsel plants, giving hikers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The gradual ascent allows your body to acclimatize naturally, while the cool, crisp air and vast scenery instill a sense of awe. Shira 1 Camp sits quietly amidst this alpine environment, offering stunning views of the plateau and distant glaciers shimmering on the horizon.

An easy, scenic hike today allows you to fully enjoy the Shira Plateau’s expansive vistas. The terrain is a mixture of rocky paths, grassy plains, and occasional streams, giving a real sense of wilderness. The plateau’s remoteness and sweeping landscapes make this one of the most photogenic sections of Kilimanjaro. By the afternoon, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where the surrounding alpine scenery glacial valleys and volcanic ridges prepares you mentally for the more challenging days ahead.

This is the classic acclimatization day. The trail climbs gradually to Lava Tower, a striking rock formation rising above the plateau. At 4,630m, you reach a high point and have the opportunity to experience altitude without sleeping high, a key technique for safe climbing. From here, the trail descends to Barranco Camp, which lies in a sheltered valley beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. The dramatic scenery of towering cliffs and glacial ridges makes this a memorable and visually striking day.