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, the trail enters the moorland zone, where vegetation becomes sparse, and temperatures drop. The ascent is gradual but becomes steeper as you approach the Shira Plateau, a vast, high-altitude desert.

From here, you have breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's western slopes and Shira Ridge, an ancient volcanic caldera. By late afternoon, you reach Shira 1 Camp, where you enjoy your first night in a high-altitude environment.

• 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 (3,610m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

This day features a gradual trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of Kilimanjaro. You walk on rocky terrain, passing giant lobelias and groundsels, plants adapted to the high-altitude environment.

In the afternoon, you reach Shira 2 Camp, a campsite with panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Great Rift Valley. Since the elevation gain is low today, it helps with acclimatization.

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
• Time: 3–4 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 240m (790ft)
• Highlights: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

This is a challenging acclimatization day, featuring a trek to Lava Tower (4,630m), also known as the Shark’s Tooth. The ascent is gradual, with changing landscapes from moorland to alpine desert.

After lunch at Lava Tower, you descend slightly into the Northern Circuit, reaching Buffalo Camp in the afternoon. The descent aids acclimatization and allows the body to adjust to high altitudes.

• Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
• Time: 7–9 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 780m (2,560ft)
• Elevation Gain: 610m (2,000ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert Trek
• Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

The trek continues eastward around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The terrain is rocky and barren, and the air becomes thinner.

By afternoon, you reach Third Cave Camp, a remote campsite offering peaceful surroundings and spectacular night skies.

• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Time: 5–7 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 150m (490ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,800m)

Today’s trek is short but steep, leading to School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The landscape is barren and dry, resembling a lunar desert.

Upon arrival, you rest early in preparation for summit night.

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
• Time: 4–5 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 930m (3,050ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: School Hut (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Crater Camp (5,730m)

Summit night begins at midnight. The climb is steep and physically demanding, passing Gilman’s Point (5,681m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa!

After a brief celebration and photos, you descend slightly to Crater Camp (5,730m), one of the most unique and extreme campsites in the world.

• Distance: 6 km ascent (3.7 mi) / 3 km descent (1.9 mi)
• Time: 6–8 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,095m (3,590ft)
• Elevation Loss: 165m (540ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Arctic
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Crater Camp (5,730m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

After a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro, you begin your descent. The terrain is rocky and dusty, requiring trekking poles. By afternoon, you reach Mweka Camp, located in the lush rainforest.

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
• Time: 7–9 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 2,630m (8,630ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert to Rainforest
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Drive to Moshi

The final trek is through dense rainforest, with chances to see wildlife. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates and return to Moshi (or Arusha) for celebrations! 🎉

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
• Time: 3–4 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,460m (4,790ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch