Arrival Day

When you arrive in Tanzania, whether through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met by our native professional driver guide, who will provide you with important information and details about your trip and program. He will help you load and sort your luggage before driving you to your hotel for rest, dinner, and overnight. On the way to the hotel, your driver guide will share the best stories and information about Tanzania and its people’s culture with you.

Londrossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 2389m to 2785m

Leaving Moshi/Arusha for the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently await the issuance of our permits while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. While your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife, you can enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails. The trail can be muddy and slippery at these lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended here.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2785m to 3504m

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures start to fall.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira Hut

Elevation: 3504m to 3895m

We spend the entire day exploring the Shira plateau. It’s a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, and down to Shira 2 camp, which is located on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we proceed to Moir Hut, a little-visited location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of walks, making it an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the world’s highest plateaus.

Shira Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3895m to 3986m

Although you end the day at roughly the same elevation as you started, this day is critical for acclimatization. We continue east up a ridge from Shira Plateau, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before turning southeast towards the Lava Tower. We reach a second junction shortly after the tower, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue our descent to Barranco Camp, where we will spend the night.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3986m to 4034m

We continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail after breakfast. It’s one of the most impressive days to see your crew’s power, agility, and strength zip over this wall with apparent ease. Stay the night at Karanga Camp.

Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4034m to 4662m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once there, you have completed the South Circuit, which provides breathtaking views of the summit from a variety of angles. We’ll eat early and rest up before summit night. Stay the night at Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4662m to 5895m to 3106m

The excitement grows as the morning approaches, with a start time of between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most physically and mentally taxing part of the journey.

We keep climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm while focusing on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim in a northwesterly direction using a switchback motion. You will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise during your brief stay here. The sunrise may be visible from the summit for faster hikers. On your final 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you will almost certainly encounter snow.

You have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent as a whole!

After photos, celebrations, and possibly a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible achievement. We start our ascent to Mweka Camp, pausing for lunch and a short rest at Barafu. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Enjoy some well-deserved rest on your final evening on the mountain. Mweka Camp is where you’ll spend the night.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3106m to 1633m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We proceed to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates. Because of the warmer weather, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we strongly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will be waiting for you in Mweka village to take you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha