Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning.

• Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi
• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
• Meals: None

• Elevation: 7,381 ft / 2,250 m → 9,498 ft / 2,895 m
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Rainforest

After registration at Londorossi Gate, you’ll drive a short distance to the Lemosho starting point, where the trail begins in lush montane rainforest. This region is rich in wildlife, and you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys or even small antelope. The path climbs gently through ancient trees dripping with moss until you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, located under a dense forest canopy.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 9,498 ft / 2,895 m → 11,483 ft / 3,505 m

• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek is a steady climb through the final stretch of rainforest before transitioning into heath and moorland, with giant heathers and volcanic rock formations. As the forest clears, you’ll be greeted by your first open views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Shira 1 is located in a wide, flat expanse—perfect for photographing Kilimanjaro’s dramatic dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 11,483 ft / 3,505 m → 12,628 ft / 3,850 m

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

A gentle hike across the beautiful Shira Plateau today. The terrain flattens, making it a relaxing acclimatization day. Along the way, you’ll pass rocky outcrops and scattered senecio trees while enjoying expansive views of the surrounding valleys and Kilimanjaro’s peak looming ahead. Optional afternoon acclimatization hikes can help prepare for the higher altitudes to come.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 12,628 ft / 3,850 m → 15,190 ft / 4,630 m → 13,044 ft / 3,970 m

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is a critical acclimatization day. You’ll ascend steadily to Lava Tower (4,630 m) — a volcanic rock formation that feels like walking on the moon. After lunch at Lava Tower, you descend into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy allows your body to adapt to higher altitudes. Expect incredible views of the southern glaciers and the iconic Barranco Wall ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft / 3,970 m → 13,106 ft / 3,995 m
• Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start by scaling the Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical climb. After the wall, the trail winds through valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. It’s a short but challenging hike that aids acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft / 3,995 m → 15,331 ft / 4,673 m

• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is a short but steep hike to Barafu, the base camp for your summit attempt. You’ll trek through a desolate, wind-swept landscape with icy gusts and views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Once at Barafu, rest, eat early dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit push. Guides will brief you thoroughly. Early to bed!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 15,331 ft / 4,673 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,068 m
• Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles (5 km / 3.1 miles ascent, 12 km / 7.5 miles descent)
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Begin your summit push around midnight. After a long, cold ascent, reach Stella Point at sunrise, and then Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebrations, descend slowly back to Barafu for rest and then continue to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,068 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

The final descent is through lush forest with birdsong and mist. At Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel is included in the climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you have booked a safari, we typically will leave just after breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.

• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
• Meals: Breakfast