Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Trek Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, your guide will meet you for a detailed briefing and gear inspection. You’ll have time to rest, prepare for the trek, and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6 km
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (about 3-4 hours), where registration and permit formalities take place. Begin your trek through dense rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, birds, and tropical flora. The trail gradually ascends to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you’ll spend your first night under canvas.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today’s hike takes you out of the forest and into the open moorland zone. The trail gets steeper as you climb along ridges with incredible views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and take in the scenery.
Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 7 km
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today is a shorter trek across the vast Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert plain with beautiful panoramic views. The route provides great acclimatization as you ascend slowly to Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll sleep at nearly 3,900 meters. The afternoon is free for rest or an optional acclimatization hike.
Day 5: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
This is a key acclimatization day. The trail gradually climbs to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, where you’ll stop for lunch and experience high altitude. From there, descend to Barranco Camp, located below the impressive Barranco Wall. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is critical for proper acclimatization.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a challenging but non-technical climb up the Barranco Wall, offering stunning views and a sense of achievement. The trail then winds through glacial valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp in time for lunch and rest. This is another important day for altitude adjustment before the summit push.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 4 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After a leisurely breakfast, ascend steadily to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. You’ll arrive by early afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear. Dinner is served early, and you’ll get a few hours of sleep before waking around midnight for your summit attempt.
Day 8: Summit Attempt – Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours | Distance: 17 km
Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Rainforest
Around midnight, begin your ascent under the stars toward Stella Point (5,756 m), where the sun begins to rise over the glaciers. Push on for another hour to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Once there, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, a celebratory meal, and a comfortable bed await. Overnight at a hotel in Moshi.