Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Londorossi Gate

   • After breakfast, have a briefing at your hotel, meet your leading guide and be driven to the gate of Londorossi Park (2.5 hours). Following park rules and regulations, the launch trail takes us in our 4x4 vehicle into the forest towards Lemosho Glades (11 km, 45 minutes), and we trek through the forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp, then we have dinner and spend the night in Camp Mti Mkubwa.

2. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1 (7km, 5HRS.)

   • The trail slowly becomes very steep and enters the bog area, then traverses the Shira Ridge and descends gently to Shira Camp One, situated by a creek on the Shira Plateau. 
   • Early morning after breakfast, we will continue as the path gradually becomes steeper and enters the vast moorland area. Several creeks are crossed, then it reaches the Shira ridge and gently descends to the Shira 1 campsite, located near the creeks on the Shira Plateau—dinner and overnight at Shira One Camp.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp I to Shira Camp II (10km, 5HRS.)

   • Today you have a very moderate hike across the Shira Plateau that takes you to Shira Camp Two on moorland meadows along a creek. However, various hikes on the Shira Plateau make this an excellent acclimatization day.

4. Day 4: Shira Camp II to Lava Tower (10km, 4HRS.)

   • You will have breakfast and continue to climb east on a steep path above the vegetation towards the looming mass of Kilimanjaro. After a hike of several hours through a rocky landscape, you will reach the outstanding landmark called Lava Tower. This thick remnant of Kilimanjaro's earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right underneath. If you are sure-footed, you can climb to the top of the tower for a surcharge. 
   • After a lunch break near the lava tower, descend below the lower cliffs of Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp for 2 hours. Photo opportunities abound on this climb, especially when the walls are adorned with ice. Barranco Camp is nestled in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should offer you an unforgettable sunset while you await dinner. Be sure to watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness on this day.

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (5km, 4HRS.)

   • After breakfast, we continue up a steep hill to the great Muro del Barranco and climb this significant obstacle that is easier. Finishing off just below Heim Glacier, you can see how beautiful Kilimanjaro is. With the Kibo Glaciers soaring overhead, descend into the lush Karanga Valley to Karanga Valley Camp. From the camp, you can look east and see the craggy peaks of Mawenzi against the African sky. After a hot lunch at Camp, the afternoon is free to rest or explore. 
   • After two long days, remember that this short day is very important for your acclimatization as your ascent to the summit will start shortly.

6. Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4km, 4HRS.)

   • This morning you will ascend east across the ridges and valleys in between to join the Mweka route, which will be your descent route. Turn left towards Kilimanjaro and hike another hour along the ridge through scattered landscapes to Barafu Hut, where you will have a hot lunch. Karanga Valley is the last watering hole on this route, as there is no water at Barafu Cam. However, Barafu is the Swahili word for ice cream. The famous snow of Kilimanjaro lies high above Camp Barafu, near the peak of Kilimanjaro. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, rocky, windswept ridge, so familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your gear and warm clothing for your summit ascent, and drink plenty of fluids. 
   • After an early dinner, head to bed for a few hours of valuable sleep.

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit Day) (5km, 7HRS)

   • This morning you will ascend east across the ridges and valleys in between to join the Mweka route, which will be your descent route. Turn left towards Kilimanjaro and hike another hour along the ridge through scattered landscapes to Barafu Hut, where you will have a hot lunch. Karanga Valley is the last watering hole on this route, as there is no water at Barafu Cam. However, Barafu is the Swahili word for ice cream. The famous snow of Kilimanjaro lies high above Camp Barafu, near the peak of Kilimanjaro. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, rocky, windswept ridge, so familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your gear and warm clothing for your summit ascent, and drink plenty of fluids. 
   • After an early dinner, head to bed for a few hours of valuable sleep.

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

   • After a well-deserved breakfast, it's a short 3-hour scenic descent to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate, you will sign your name and add details to a register. You will also receive your summit certificate from your guide, who will take a photo. Climbers who reach Stella Point receive green certificates, and those who reach Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. 
   • From Mweka Gate, you will be transferred to Mweka Village, 3 km away, where you will be served a delicious hot lunch before returning to Moshi/Arusha.