Day 1: Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,820 m (9,250 ft)
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours

After registration at Lemosho Gate, your trek begins through the lush rainforest zone, home to Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and diverse birdlife. The trail is moderately steep but manageable. You will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,820 m (9,250 ft) to 3,505 m (11,500 ft)
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Time: 4-6 hours

Today’s trek takes you through the moorland zone, where vegetation becomes sparser and the landscape turns into rolling hills. You will cross Shira Ridge and descend slightly onto Shira Plateau, a volcanic landscape with spectacular views of Kibo Peak. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,505 m (11,500 ft) to 3,840 m (12,600 ft)
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours

A shorter trek across the Shira Plateau today allows for further acclimatization. You will hike towards Shira 2 Camp, with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, take an optional short hike for additional acclimatization.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

• Elevation: 3,840 m (12,600 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 4,206 m (13,800 ft)
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Time: 6-8 hours

Today is an essential acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower (4,630 m), where you will have lunch and experience high-altitude conditions before descending to Moir Hut (4,206 m) for overnight. This climb high, sleep low strategy helps with acclimatization.

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

• Elevation: 4,206 m (13,800 ft) to 4,020 m (13,190 ft)
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Time: 5-7 hours

Leaving Moir Hut, you will ascend over a ridge to the Northern Circuit, a remote and less-traveled part of Kilimanjaro. The terrain is mostly alpine desert, with little vegetation. Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the mountain. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

• Elevation: 4,020 m (13,190 ft) to 3,870 m (12,700 ft)
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Time: 5-6 hours

A gentle ascent takes you across rolling hills and open landscapes, with incredible views of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. You will arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) in the early afternoon, allowing time for rest and acclimatization before the summit push.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut (Base Camp)

• Elevation: 3,870 m (12,700 ft) to 4,800 m (15,750 ft)
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Time: 4-6 hours

Today, you will hike to School Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt. The terrain is barren and rocky as you enter the glacial zone. Arriving early in the afternoon, you will have time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for summit night.

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,800 m (15,750 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
• Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
• Time: 12-15 hours

Summit Night
At midnight, begin the most challenging part of your trek toward Uhuru Peak. The steep ascent takes you past Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa!

After taking photos and celebrating, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short break before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Departure

• Elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, enjoy a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha or Moshi for relaxation or your departure.