Itinerary
- Day 1
Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
The day starts with your pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a drive to your hotel in Moshi town. Once you're settled in, you'll meet your guide who'll walk through what to expect on the trek and check your equipment. If anything's missing from your gear, you can rent it here before heading out.
- Start point
- Arusha, Tanzania (Arusha tourist inn hotel, 07:00 - 08:00)
Included Activities
- Equipment check with professional guide
- Gear rental arrangement (if needed)
Landmarks Kilimanjaro International Airport - Day 2
Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp
Your hotel pickup happens around 08:00am for the transfer to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro's western side. After registration, the actual trekking begins through Lemosho glades forest heading to Big Tree Camp. The walk covers 7km (4.3mi) and takes about 4 hours, so you're moving at a steady pace through relatively easier terrain to start.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through Lemosho glades forest to Big Tree Camp
Landmarks Lemosho Gate Lemosho Glades - Day 3
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Today crosses a plateau of grassy moorland and heather dotted with volcanic rock. Some sections get fairly steep, but from Shira 1 Camp you'll often catch views of Kibo Peak sitting above the clouds. The distance is 8.5km (5.3mi) over approximately 7 hours, so it's a longer day that'll test your fitness.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through moorland plateau to Shira 1 Camp
Landmarks Kibo Peak - Day 4
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Climbing continues across the Shira Plateau moorland with wide panoramic views including the Northern Ice fields and a unique western perspective of Kibo. In the afternoon, an acclimatization walk gets you moving gently before returning to Shira 2 Camp. The main trek covers 8km (5mi) in about 5 hours, followed by that additional activity to help your body adjust.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek across Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp
- Afternoon acclimatization walk
Landmarks Shira Plateau Northern Ice fields 
- Day 5
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
An ascent opens up far-reaching panoramic views as you enter the upland desert zone. Climbing continues up lava ridges beneath glaciers of the Western Breach to Lava Tower at 4640m where lunch happens. Then comes a steep descent to Barranco Camp at 3960m, nestled at the base of Great Barranco Valley with towering cliffs around you. Total distance is 10km (6.2mi) over approximately 7 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Lava Tower), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Lava Tower (4640m)
- Trek through Western Breach lava ridges
- Descent to Barranco Camp in Great Barranco Valley
Landmarks Lava Tower Western Breach Great Barranco Valley - Day 6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day starts by descending into Great Barranco ravine, then climbing steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which is non-technical but long and tiring. Moving under the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you head toward Karanga Valley and then climb steeply to Karanga Camp at 3963m. If you're feeling strong, an optional mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to 4200m is available. The main trek is 5.5km (3.4mi) over approximately 5 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through Great Barranco Valley and up Great Barranco Wall
- Trek past Heim and Kersten glaciers
- Trek to Karanga Camp
Optional Activities
- Mid-afternoon acclimatization trek to around 4200m (for those feeling strong)
Landmarks Great Barranco Wall Heim Glacier Kersten Glacier Karanga Valley - Day 7
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, trekking crosses desolate scree slopes with no vegetation toward Barafu Camp at 4640m. This is tough and steep, and altitude makes it even harder. Once you arrive, there's lunch and then the afternoon is for resting and preparing mentally. Early dinner gets served, and you'll get up between 11pm and 12am to begin the summit push. The hike itself is only 3km (1.9mi) over approximately 3 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Early dinner)
Included Activities
- Trek to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Landmarks Barafu Camp - Day 8
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Climbing starts around midnight with steep trekking upward through summit glaciers. For 4 to 5 hours you're gaining incredible height over short distance, watching the landscape shift dramatically. Stella Point crater rim at 5739m comes into view as first light hits, with spectacular ice cliffs and views toward Mawenzi peak. Another hour gets you to Uhuru Peak summit at 5895m. Then it's descent back to Stella Point, down the scree slope to Barafu Camp for breakfast, and finally down to Millennium Camp to rest. This is the longest day at 13.4km (8.3mi) over 12 to 15 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at Barafu Camp after summit), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Midnight climb to summit glaciers
- Trek to Stella Point crater rim (5739m)
- Trek to Uhuru Peak summit (5895m)
- Descent to Millennium Camp
Landmarks Stella Point Uhuru Peak Mawenzi Peak - Day 9
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
A gentler trek down through rainforest leads to Mweka Gate where park formalities are completed and summit certificates are handed over. Your vehicle meets you there for the return to your hotel in Moshi. A well-deserved shower and celebration dinner await, with overnight at Arusha Tourist Inn or similar accommodation. The final trek covers 12.1km (7.5mi) over approximately 6 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek through rainforest to Mweka Gate
- Park formalities and certificate presentation
- Return transfer to Moshi hotel
Landmarks Mweka Gate
