Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Our journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 3–4 hours. After registration, a short drive leads to the trailhead. The trek starts in a dense rainforest, where you might spot colobus monkeys. The day’s hike is short and easy, ending at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Time: 3–4 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 720m (2,362 ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest trek
• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Leaving the rainforest behind, you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily with a few steep sections. As you gain elevation, you will get your first views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The camp is situated on the Shira Plateau, offering stunning panoramic views.

• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Time: 5–6 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 680m (2,231ft)
• Highlights: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)

You continue across the Shira Plateau, passing Shira 2 Camp. The landscape is now barren and volcanic, with lava formations scattered throughout. The route turns north toward the rarely visited Moir Hut Camp, an excellent place for acclimatization. A short optional hike can be done in the afternoon.

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
• Time: 6–7 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 695m (2,280ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Moir Hut (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

The trek now joins the Northern Circuit, moving away from the crowded routes. You ascend to Lent Hills (4,375m) for stunning views before descending slightly to Buffalo Camp. The landscape becomes more desert-like, with strong winds and sparse vegetation.

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
• Time: 6–7 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 320m (1,050ft), then descent
• Highlights: Alpine Desert Trek
• Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,800m)

The trail follows the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering uninterrupted views of Kenya. This part of the trek is less steep, allowing for a relaxed pace. You descend slightly to Third Cave Camp, where you rest and prepare for higher altitudes.

• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Time: 4–6 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 220m (722ft)
• Highlights: Semi-Desert
• Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,800m) to School Hut (4,800m)

This day involves a steady ascent to School Hut Camp, your final base before the summit. The environment is harsh, with strong winds and freezing temperatures. You rest in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and prepare for summit night.

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
• Time: 4–5 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,000m (3,280ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Summit night starts at midnight. The ascent is the most challenging, climbing steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m). You continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating, you descend quickly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. This day is long and demanding, but reaching the summit is a life-changing experience.

• Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
• Time: 10–14 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,222m (4,009ft)
• Elevation Loss: 2,827m (9,275ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Arctic to Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), drive to Moshi

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest, where you receive your summit certificates at Mweka Gate. From here, a short drive takes you back to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your incredible achievement.

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
• Time: 3–4 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,428m (4,685ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch