Day 1: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 7,742 ft → 9,498 ft | Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Rainforest
Start with a scenic drive from Moshi and then begin your ascent through lush, untouched forest. Look out for colobus monkeys. Camp at a peaceful clearing—your journey into altitude begins.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft → 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Heath
You’ll emerge from the forest into moorlands, with volcanic terrain draped in lichen. Capture your first distant view of Kibo Peak as you crest the Shira Ridge.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft → 13,800 ft | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Zone: Heath
Cross the surreal Shira Plateau’s sweeping moorlands before veering to the remote Moir Hut. Optional short hikes in this area offer strong acclimatization—and solitude.
Day 4: Moir Hut → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
-
Moir Hut to Lava Tower: 13,800 ft → 15,190 ft | 4–5 hrs
-
Descent to Barranco Camp: 15,190 ft → 13,044 ft | 2–3 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert
Climb high before sleeping low: ascend to iconic Lava Tower, gaining altitude gracefully. Then descend into the picturesque Barranco Camp—a prime spot for acclimatization under odd-shaped Senecio trees.
Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft → 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert
Scale the famed Barranco Wall—non-technical yet exhilarating. Traverse rolling terrain into Karanga Camp—an important pause before the final push begins.
Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft → 15,331 ft | Distance: 4 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert
Reach the final base camp—Barafu—situated near the glacier and offering wide summit views. Rest early, prepare mentally—and embrace the anticipation.
Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
-
Barafu to Summit: 15,331 ft → 19,341 ft | 6–8 hrs
-
Summit to Mweka: 19,341 ft → 10,065 ft | 4–6 hrs | Zones: Arctic → Rainforest
At midnight, begin your summit climb. At Stella Point, watch the sunrise over Mawenzi. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend through Barafu to Mweka—your final night beneath Kilimanjaro’s slopes.
Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft | Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Rainforest
Descend through lush forest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate—you made it! We’ll drive you back to Moshi for celebration, rest, and reflection.