Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 600 meters (1,969 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: The journey begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2,250 meters/7,382 feet) for registration. After completing the formalities, you’ll drive to the Lemosho starting point. The trek starts in the lush rainforest, with the trail winding through towering trees and dense vegetation. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch en route. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,850 meters/9,350 feet), nestled among the trees. After setting up camp, dinner is served, and you’ll have your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 750 meters (2,461 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 5-6 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, the trek continues, leaving the rainforest and entering the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and the vegetation sparser as you ascend. You’ll pass through a beautiful valley, crossing streams and enjoying panoramic views. A packed lunch will be provided along the way. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,600 meters/11,810 feet), located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau. After setting up camp, dinner is served, and you’ll have a restful night under the stars.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude Gain: 300 meters (984 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 5-7 hours

Itinerary Overview: The third day begins with breakfast followed by a gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau. The landscape is characterized by rocky outcrops, heather, and scattered volcanic rocks. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Kibo Peak. You’ll have a packed lunch along the way before reaching Shira 2 Camp (3,900 meters/12,795 feet) by early afternoon. This camp provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and offers spectacular sunset views. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude Gain: 700 meters (2,297 feet)
Altitude Loss: 680 meters (2,231 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 7-8 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll start the trek towards Lava Tower (4,640 meters/15,223 feet), an imposing rock formation that serves as an excellent acclimatization point. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll have a packed lunch at Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley. The descent into the valley leads to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters/12,992 feet), set beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. This camp offers breathtaking views and a chance to rest and recover. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 260 meters (853 feet)
Altitude Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 4-5 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb that requires some scrambling. The climb offers spectacular views of the Heim Glacier and the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, the trail undulates through the alpine desert, offering a mix of rocky paths and barren terrain. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch along the way before descending to Karanga Camp (4,035 meters/13,235 feet). This camp provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning views of the southern glaciers. Dinner and rest follow at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 605 meters (1,985 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a shorter but steep hike to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters/15,223 feet). The landscape becomes increasingly stark and windswept, with only hardy plants surviving in this harsh environment. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. A hot lunch is served at camp, followed by an early dinner and rest. You’ll be briefed on the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance to Uhuru Peak: 5 km (3 miles)
Distance to Mweka Camp: 12 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain to Uhuru Peak: 1,255 meters (4,117 feet)
Altitude Loss to Mweka Camp: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Duration: 12-16 hours

Itinerary Overview: The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to Stella Point is steep and involves navigating through scree and rocky terrain. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,739 meters/18,828 feet) at sunrise, you’ll take a short rest before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. The descent continues to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet) through the moorland and rainforest zones. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Altitude Loss: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet). This final leg of the trek is relatively easy and offers a chance to enjoy the lush surroundings. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete registration and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Additional Tips for a Successful Trek

1. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial. Follow the itinerary and take the optional acclimatization hikes seriously.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
3. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the mantra for Kilimanjaro.
4. Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right gear, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
5. Nutrition: Eat well and often. Your body needs fuel to manage the physical exertion and altitude.
6. Mental Preparation: The summit night is physically and mentally challenging. Stay positive and focused on your goal.