Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak with Crater Camp

8 Days Round trip from X4XM+HPJ Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro with stunning panoramic mountain vistas
02 Trek through diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, volcanic ridges, and glaciers
03 Explore the unique Crater Camp situated near the Furtwangler Glacier
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. This trekking journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and moorlands to high-altitude deserts. Experience stunning views of glaciers, volcanic rock formations, and the iconic Kibo Peak as you ascend to Uhuru Peak and continue to the unique Crater Camp near the Furtwangler Glacier before descending through scenic rainforest.

Reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon when few groups are around.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp Through Forest Trails

Pick up from your hotel at around 08:00am and transfer to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
Complete the registration process and begin the steady climb through the forests of the Lemosho Glades.
Arrive at Big Tree Camp, where you will spend the night.

Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 02

Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Camp Across Moorland

Trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather, scattered with volcanic rock formations.
Pass through Shira 1 Camp and enjoy views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds.
Climb steadily towards Shira 2 Camp, with views of the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain.
Acclimatize and enjoy panoramic views during your ascent.

Distance covered: 16.5km / 10.3mi
Approx. time taken: 9 - 10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 03

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Begin the trek with an ascent and enjoy far-reaching panoramic views.
Reach the Lava Tower (4640m) for lunch, the highest point of the day.
Descend steeply to Barranco Camp, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley.
Relax and take in the views of the plains below.

Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Beneath the Glaciers

Start the day by descending into the Great Barranco and climbing the Great Barranco Wall.
Ascend to Karanga Camp, passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers.
Acclimatize by going on a mid-afternoon trek up to around 4200m, if feeling strong.
Descend back to camp for the night.

Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp for Summit Preparation

Climb across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation to reach Barafu Camp.
Eat and rest in the afternoon, preparing for a long night and day ahead.
Hydrate and stay warm in preparation for your summit climb.
Have an early dinner and try to sleep, as you will be waking up between 11pm and 12am for the summit climb.

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Crater Camp

Wake before dawn to start your summit approach.
Reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon when few groups are around.
Descend briefly to Crater Camp, set near the Furtwangler Glacier.
Experience the bowl of the crater, a challenging but rewarding extension for adventurous climbers.

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 5-6 hours & 1-2 hours to Crater Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 07

Crater Camp to Millennium Camp Descent

Begin the descent in the morning after an early breakfast.
Return to Stella Point and then descend on scree slopes, passing Barafu Camp for a break.
Continue your descent to Millennium Camp, where you can rest after a long day.

Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12 - 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 08

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate Through Rainforest

Walk down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate.
Complete park formalities and receive your certificates of achievement.
Meet your vehicles and return to your hotel in Moshi for the end of your trek.

Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Where this trip takes you

Lava Tower volcanic ridge, Uhuru Peak and Crater Camp, rain forest descent to Mweka Gate

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from X4XM+HPJ 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers: transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional guides: experienced and certified mountain guides
Guide, porter, and cook salaries, along with park fees
Quality sleeping tents: waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents on a twin-sharing basis
Sleeping mattress provided for comfort during the trek
Emergency oxygen cylinder for emergency use during the climb
All meals: full meals provided while on the mountain
Quality mess tents equipped with tables and chairs for dining
Healthy food: large portions of fresh, nutritious meals prepared for you
Clean drinking water: purified drinking water available throughout the trek
Conservation fees included as part of the park fees
Camping or hut fees included as part of the park fees
Rescue fees included as part of the park fees
VAT (18%) charged by the government
Kilimanjaro summit certificate awarded upon reaching the summit

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa: required for entry into Tanzania
International and domestic flights are not included in the package
Hotel: available as an optional add-on
Transfers: available as an optional add-on
Personal trekking equipment, including sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothes (available for rent)
Tips and gratuities are not included but appreciated
Travel insurance is highly recommended and not included
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone, and beverages
Meals not listed in the itinerary are not included
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages are not included