Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town.
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will go through immigration to obtain your visa. After that, make your way to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage. Once you have passed through customs, you can exit the terminal, where our welcoming guide will be ready to greet you and begin your adventure.
You will then be transferred in comfort to your hotel in the delightful town of Moshi, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to check in, unwind, and get ready for the thrilling expedition that awaits you.
Day 2: Journey from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, followed by a hike to Big Tree Camp.
Our adventure begins in Moshi, where you will meet our experienced team before departing for the Lemosho Gate. After enjoying an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, we will leave the hotel an hour later, aiming to arrive at the Lemosho Gate (2,360 meters) for registration around noon. This timing allows for a picnic lunch before we take a short drive to the starting point of today’s hike. The walking distance for the day will be less than 6 kilometers, with an estimated walking time of 3 to 4 hours.
Our approach to Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route from the west is often regarded as offering the finest views of the mountain. As we set off, you may have the opportunity to spot colobus or blue monkeys, though encounters with buffalo, elephants, or leopards are rare. The ascent through the forest is a delightful experience, filled with vibrant flora. By 6:00 PM, we will typically reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) at 2,895 meters, and dinner will be served at 7:30 PM, allowing you to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Day 3: Trek from Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After enjoying your customary early breakfast at 7:00 AM, we will set off at 8:00 AM, leaving the rainforest behind as we enter the heath zone. The hike today will take us from 2,895 meters to over 3,505 meters, covering a slightly longer distance than yesterday but requiring 5 to 6 hours of walking time. As we ascend, the trees will gradually thin out, and we will transition into moorland, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Shira Plateau and the majestic Kibo peak. Remember to pace yourself and walk slowly to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. We’ll take a picnic lunch around 1:00 PM to refuel for the journey ahead.
Following lunch, the trail becomes steep initially but soon levels out, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sight of the snow-capped Kibo as we make our way to Shira 1 Camp at 3,505 meters. We expect to arrive around 4:00 PM, giving you some time to relax and take in the expansive African sky before dinner, which will be served at 6:30 PM. This evening will provide a chance to rest and reflect on the day’s accomplishments as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
Day 4: Hike from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
With the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, you will embark on a trek across the Shira Plateau, ascending towards Shira 2 Camp. Today, we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by our departure about an hour later. While we anticipate less climbing than yesterday, your guide will discuss the option to trek via the Shira Cathedral, depending on how you’re feeling. The standard walking distance for the day will be approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles), with a steady uphill climb taking around 5 to 6 hours. Our route will lead us southeast across the moor and heathland of the Shira Plateau, where you may spot buffalo, dik-dik, and klipspringer grazing.
Reaching Shira 2 Camp at 3,804 meters (also known as Shira Huts) by around 1:00 PM, you will be welcomed with a delicious cooked lunch. If you choose to take the detour to Shira Cathedral (3,862 meters or 12,670 feet), you can expect additional walking but will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the plateau and beyond. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures as you prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Day 5: Move from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
We will start the day bright and early with breakfast at 7:00 AM, preparing for an 8:30 AM departure. Today’s trek covers approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and, while we’ll only gain 90 meters in elevation by the end of the day, we face a challenging ascent to the foot of the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters. After taking in the breathtaking panoramic views from this impressive height, we will descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters, situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by stunning giant Senecio plants.
Expect a total walking time of around 6 to 8 hours as we leave the Shira Ridge and join the more popular Machame Trail, which may bring a larger crowd. The scenery will shift to predominantly alpine desert, offering a unique landscape to enjoy throughout the day. We will take a well-deserved picnic lunch at 1:00 PM, aiming to arrive at Barranco Camp by around 4:00 PM. After settling in, dinner will be served at approximately 7:00 PM, providing a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s accomplishments.
Day 6: Continue from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After a slightly later breakfast at 7:30 AM, we will depart from camp at 8:30 AM for an exciting day ahead. Today’s trek covers a relatively short distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles), but it requires 4 to 5 hours of dedicated trekking due to the challenging ascent of the famous Barranco Wall. This thrilling climb, often referred to as the “Breakfast Wall” since it follows breakfast, will test your determination, but the stunning views from the top, including sights of the Heim Glacier, will make it all worthwhile.
Once we conquer the Barranco Wall, the remainder of the day will be more manageable as we gradually descend into the gully below and into the beautiful Karanga Valley. We will navigate a steep series of zig-zags before finally reaching Karanga Camp at 4,033 meters, where we expect to arrive around 1:00 PM. After enjoying a cooked lunch and taking in the scenic views, you will have the afternoon to relax before dinner is served at 6:00 PM, providing a peaceful end to an exhilarating day.
Day 7: Ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, then summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp
One thing is certain about climbing Kilimanjaro: the day of the summit will be the most demanding! Despite its challenges, the incredible sense of accomplishment and excitement from reaching the peak will make every effort worthwhile.
Our itinerary for “Summit Day” significantly differs from previous days. We will wake at 11:00 PM and enjoy some tea and biscuits at 11:30 PM before setting off at midnight. The ascent begins with a strenuous climb from Barafu Camp, located at 4,556 meters, to Stella Point at 5,756 meters. The path includes sections of scree, adding to the difficulty of the trek. From Stella Point, we still have 139 meters to climb, which will take about 45 minutes to complete before reaching the summit. We aim to arrive at the top around 7:00 AM, where we can celebrate, capture memorable photos, and soak in the remarkable views. Afterward, we will descend back to Barafu for a brief rest and brunch before continuing our journey down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, expecting to reach our destination by 5:00 PM and enjoy dinner at 7:00 PM. Overall, we will cover approximately 17 kilometers (10 miles) today, with 11 to 14 hours of trekking—an arduous yet rewarding experience!
Day 8: Hike from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then transfer to Arusha.
Riding high on your recent accomplishment, you’ll enjoy breakfast at 7:00 AM before participating in the ‘Tipping Celebration’ at 8:00 AM, where you can show appreciation to your trekking team for their hard work.
Although there’s still a distance of 10 kilometers (6 miles) to cover, we’ll set off at a relaxed 9:00 AM for the descent to Mweka Gate, located at an elevation of 1,640 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a delicious cooked lunch at noon and receive your well-deserved certificate as a testament to your journey. Afterward, your transport will be ready to take you to your hotel in Arusha, where you can unwind or, if you still have some energy left, celebrate your incredible adventure!
Day 9: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
As your journey draws to a close, you’ll get ready for your departure from Tanzania. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, allowing time to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to visit the Tanzanite Museum, followed by a stop at Arusha Cultural Heritage to find some unique souvenirs.
Savor a delightful complimentary BBQ lunch at Tembo Club in Arusha before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
As you bid farewell to this stunning country, hold onto the unforgettable memories of your adventure and the friendships you’ve made along the way.
