DAY 1

Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
Meet at Londorossi Gate for registration and entry into Kilimanjaro National Park. Begin trekking through lush rainforests, spotting various species of flora and fauna. After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for the night.

Elevation : 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance : 6 km
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest

DAY 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m
Continue trekking through the rainforest, gradually ascending towards the Shira Plateau. As the landscape changes, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking, reach Shira 1 Camp, situated on the edge of the plateau.

Elevation : 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance : 8 km
Hiking Time : 5-6 hours
Habitat : Moorland

DAY 3

Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,810m)
Trek across the vast expanse of the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Ascend gradually, crossing rocky terrain and volcanic formations. After approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking, arrive at Shira 2 Camp, nestled beneath the towering cliffs of the Shira Cathedral.

Elevation : 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance : 14 km
Hiking Time : 5-7 hours
Habitat : Moorland

DAY 4

Shira 2 Camp (3,810m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) and descent to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation : 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance : 7 km
Hiking Time : 4-6 hours
Habitat : Semi Desert

DAY 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and contin ue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation : 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance : 9km
Hiking Time : 8-10 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert

DAY 6

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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

DAY 7

Mweka Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. Elevation : 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance : 10 km
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest