After breakfast, you will start your trek. The hike begins with a steady ascent through the lush rainforest, opening up to more expansive views.

You will enjoy breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. The path is well-marked, featuring a variety of plants, including giant lobelias and wildflowers.

After several hours of hiking, you’ll reach Shira Cave Camp on the Shira Plateau, where you will have a hot lunch and reflect on the day’s journey while waiting for dinner.

As night falls, you’ll settle into your tents, ready for the next day.

Elevation: 3080m to 3,840m (9,300ft to 12,535ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

After breakfast, the hike starts with a gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

As you approach Lava Tower, which is at 4,600m, the terrain becomes rockier, and you may feel the altitude as you gain elevation. Here, you will enjoy a hot lunch while admiring the impressive rock formations and views of the summit.

After lunch, you will complete your acclimatization by descending to Barranco Camp, which is at 3,920m, where you can relax while waiting for dinner.

As the sun sets, you’ll settle into your tents for a restful night’s sleep, preparing for the next day’s challenges.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m to 3,976m (12,535ft to 15,091ft to 13045ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you’ll begin the day by climbing the Great Barranco Wall, a steep ascent that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and take a moment to catch your breath before continuing along the trail.

A hot lunch will be served upon your arrival at Karanga Camp. Later in the afternoon, you’ll go on a short acclimatization hike.

In the evening, you will have a late dinner, followed by a short briefing about the next day’s plans and expectations. Afterward, you’ll have time to rest and sleep, recharging for the next stage of your journey.

Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to 4,035m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we make our way to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push. The landscape is rugged, barren, and windswept. Once we reach Barafu Camp, a hot lunch will be served. We will then rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit. An early dinner will be followed by a few hours of sleep before the summit attempt.

Elevation: 4,035m/13,250ft to 4,640m/15,220ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

You’ll rise early, around midnight, to begin your summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. After a quick breakfast and packing your essentials, you’ll start your ascent. The trek begins with a steep climb through rocky terrain, where the air becomes thinner and the temperature drops.

As you climb, you’ll reach Stela Point at the crater rim, about 5,756 meters (18,885 feet). From here, it’s only a one hour hike to Uhuru Peak, where breathtaking views await you, including stunning glaciers and volcanic rock formations.

After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a meal and some rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent is easier on your legs but still requires attention as you navigate the rocky trail.

Upon reaching Mweka Camp, take time to relax, hydrate, and reflect on your incredible journey.

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3080m (15,420ft to 19,341ft to 10,170ft)
Distance: 6 km to summit and 11 km to Mweka (3.7 miles to summit and 6.8 miles to Mweka)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone and alpine desert

After breakfast, You’ll begin your descent to Mweka Gate. The trek takes you through lush rainforest offering a final chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Kilimanjaro.

As you descend, you’ll appreciate the vibrant flora surrounding the trail. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork. Your guides will present your summit certificate, celebrating your achievement.

Once all formalities are done, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

Elevation: 3080m to 1680m (10100ft to 5511ft)
Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest