Take off on a thrilling trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, through diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to arctic terrain. This unforgettable journey offers stunning views, challenging climbs, and the ultimate reward of reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Elevation: 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

We begin the day with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where we'll complete park entry formalities. After a short drive to the Lemosho trailhead, we enjoy lunch before starting our trek through the lush, untouched rainforest. The scenic trail winds its way to our first campsite, nestled in the heart of the forest.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
Elevation: 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today's trek takes us out of the rainforest and into a stunning savannah landscape, featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. As we ascend, the lush hills give way to open terrain, crossing streams and climbing towards the Shira Ridge. From there, we gently descend to Shira Camp 1, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Kibo across the plateau.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today we explore the vast and scenic Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Our gentle trek eastward offers stunning views of Kibo’s glaciered peak as we cross the plateau to reach Shira 2 Camp, located by a peaceful stream on moorland meadows. We then continue to the more remote Moir Hut, nestled at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers great opportunities for acclimatization with optional hikes on Lent Hills.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

Today's trek takes us east from the Shira Plateau, ascending a ridge and passing a junction toward Kibo’s peak. We then head southeast toward the iconic Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After reaching an altitude of 16,000ft at Arrow Glacier, we descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000ft. Though we finish at the same elevation as we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, helping prepare you for the summit. We rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we tackle the steep Barranco Wall, ascending along a ridge before descending into the Karanga Valley. This shorter trek is designed for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude before continuing the ascent. We rest for the night at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and continue to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. From there, we ascend to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit and enjoying incredible views of the summit from various angles. At Barafu Camp, we rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit climb, with both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks visible from camp.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

We begin our summit push very early (between midnight and 2 am), ascending between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Climbing through scree toward Stella Point (18,600 ft), this is the toughest part of the trek. After a brief rest and a chance to witness a stunning sunrise, we continue for about an hour to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, we descend straight down to Mweka Hut, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The descent can be challenging with loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp, nestled in the upper forest, may have mist or rain in the late afternoon. We enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Park Gate where you'll receive your summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts should be enough, but keep rain gear handy. After reaching Mweka Village, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.