We will transfer you from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration — a drive of about four hours. Our porters will prepare and pack all supplies and luggage before we begin our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,895 m. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite surrounded by the lush rainforest.

Habitat: Rainforest
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Altitude: 2,895 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We continue along the trail, leaving the dense rainforest behind and entering a vast savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the rolling hills and cross several sparkling streams, we reach the Shira Ridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views, before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner under the stars and camp at 3,500 m, with the majestic glaciers of the Western Breach visible in the distance. Expect colder temperatures tonight, possibly falling below freezing, so wrap up warm.

• Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

• Altitude: 3,500 m (11,500 ft)

• Distance: 8 km

• Habitat: Heath

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today we spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. We begin with a gentle walk east across moorland, then branch off from the main trail to Moir Hut, where spectacular views of the Arrow Glacier await. Tonight, we will camp at 4,200 m at a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. The area offers a variety of walks, making it an excellent opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude while soaking in the plateau’s vast, otherworldly landscapes.

• Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

• Altitude: 4,200 m (13,800 ft)

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

• Distance: 11 km

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today begins with a challenging climb up a ridge as we make our way southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 300 ft volcanic rock formation, where we will stop for lunch and acclimatization. This is our toughest day so far, and you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude. After lunch, we descend nearly 650 m over about two hours to Barranco Camp, passing through the beautiful Senecio Forest along the way.

Although we start and end the day at roughly the same elevation, the time spent higher up is excellent for acclimatization, following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule. The camp is nestled in a valley below the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall, offering stunning views of these iconic features.

Segment 1: Moir Hut → Lava Tower

• Elevation: 13,800 ft → 15,190 ft

• Distance: 7 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Segment 2: Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 15,190 ft → 13,044 ft

• Distance: 3 km

• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Altitude at Barranco Camp: 4,600 m

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We begin the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall, before tackling the steep but non-technical climb of nearly 900 ft to the top. From there, we traverse a series of rolling hills and valleys, eventually descending sharply into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb brings us to Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed to support acclimatization while giving you time to enjoy the surrounding alpine desert scenery. Tonight, we camp at Karanga, resting and preparing for the next stage of our journey.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft → 13,106 ft

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We leave Karanga Camp and follow the trail to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, then continue through rocky terrain to reach Barafu Camp. Along this route, you complete the Southern Circuit, which offers spectacular views of the summit from multiple angles. At Barafu, we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the challenging summit day ahead. From this vantage point, both peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible, giving a preview of the adventure to come.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft → 15,331 ft

• Distance: 4 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Summit Day – Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, around midnight, you will be served tea and biscuits to fuel your final push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The cold and wind at this altitude can be extreme, and we ascend in darkness for several hours, taking frequent, short breaks to conserve energy.

As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft / 5,732 m), you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak—one of the most magnificent you are ever likely to see. From here, it’s only about an hour to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement and soak in the panoramic views from the roof of Africa.

After the summit, we begin our descent to Mweka Camp, passing Barafu Camp for lunch. The trail down involves loose scree, so trekking poles are essential for stability. Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and spend our last night camping at Mweka.

Segment 1: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak

• Elevation: 15,331 ft → 19,341 ft

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

• Habitat: Arctic

Segment 2: Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 19,341 ft → 10,065 ft

• Distance: 12 km

• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Accommodation: Camping

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, we continue our descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,300 m / 5,380 ft). Here, you will receive your official summit certificate from the park authorities—a proud memento of your incredible achievement.

A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, where you can enjoy a long-awaited hot shower and a celebratory dinner to conclude your Kilimanjaro adventure.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Accommodation: Hotel

• Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

After a well-earned night’s rest, it’s time to bid farewell to the mountain. If you have arranged a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or onward adventures such as a wildlife safari or a Zanzibar beach getaway, your Tanzania Safaris Ltd guide will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.

• Meals included: Breakfast

• Transport: Private transfer