Day 1 Arusha – Londorossi Gate(2250m) – Morrum Barrier(3300m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500m)
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours (from the Morrum Barrier to Shira Camp 1)
Zone: Montane Forest / Low Alpine
After breakfast and a briefing in Arusha, you will be driven to Londorossi Gate, where our guides will assist you with registration at the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Following the registration, a further drive will take you to the Morrum Barrier, marking the start of your trek.
Beginning from the Morrum Barrier, the trail leads through a landscape characterized by heather and moorland until you arrive at Shira Camp 1 (3500m) for the night. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 1.
Day 2 Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3840m)
Distance: ~ 6 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Low Alpine
The day’s trek will offer a relatively gentle route to aid in acclimatization. You will traverse the moorlands and volcanic rock formations, eventually arriving at Shira Cathedral, a prominent rock formation encircled by imposing spires and pinnacles. Continuing from Shira Cathedral, the journey proceeds to Shira Camp 2 (3840m) where lunch will be provided. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation and acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 2 (3840m).
Day 3 Shira Camp 2 (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
Distance: ~ 11 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine
Following breakfast at Shira Camp 2, the day’s journey begins by heading east across a ridge before veering southeast towards the imposing Lava Tower at 4630m. Here at the lava tower, we will have a lunch break.
Post-lunch, the trail descends through the picturesque Barranco valley, leading to Barranco Camp at 3960m, which is at a similar altitude to Shira Camp 2.
Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp (3960m).
Day 4 Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4200m)
Distance: ~ 5 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine
Following breakfast at Barranco Camp, your journey leads you to the formidable Barranco Wall, a steep rock face towering approximately 260 meters. This challenging ascent may require the use of all four limbs for stability and progress. Once you conquer the Barranco Wall, breathtaking vistas of Kibo’s southern glacier await as your reward.
Subsequently, the trail unfolds with undulating terrain as you make your way to Karanga Camp (4200m), reaching it by lunchtime. After a nourishing meal, the afternoon at Karanga Camp offers a well-deserved opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.
Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp (4200m), providing a peaceful haven for recuperation amidst the high-altitude surroundings.
Day 5Karanga Camp (4200m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance: ~ 3.5 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine
On this day, your trek will lead you through an alpine desert terrain as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4640m). Along the trail, you will encounter chilling winds emanating from the nearby icy Kibo summit, providing a taste of the conditions to come. Lunch will be provided at Barafu Camp, followed by an afternoon of relaxation to prepare for the impending summit night.
An early dinner will be served in order to facilitate some rest before the challenging ascent. It is advisable to retire to bed by 7 PM, as you will be roused shortly before midnight to commence the final push towards the summit at 5895m. Prior to resting, it is essential to ready your climbing gear and attire for the daunting climb ahead.
Day 6Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp(3,100 m)
Distance: ~ 4.5 km ascent and 11 km descent
Time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours Mweka Gate
Zone: Glacial, High Alpine & Low Alpine
Around midnight, you will be roused with a cup of hot tea and a light snack as you prepare to embark on the ascent towards Stella Point (5739m), situated on the crater rim. The journey to Stella Point traverses challenging scree terrain, requiring a steady pace to enhance your chances of reaching the crater rim.
Following a brief respite at Stella Point, the climb continues through a snow-covered path until you reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) within 1 to 2 hours. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro and known as the “Roof of Africa,” you will be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes bathed in the morning sun. Capture the moment with photographs, relish the achievement, and then commence the descent.
The timeframe at the summit is limited due to cold temperatures, fatigue, and reduced oxygen levels that can impede progress. After descending from the summit through Stella Point and Barafu Camp, you will make your way to Mweka Camp, where a warm meal and brief respite await. Subsequently, continue the descent to Mweka Camp at 3100m for dinner and overnight accommodation. A fulfilling and eventful day culminating in a successful summit bid on Kilimanjaro.
Day 7 Mweka Camp(3100m) – Mweka Gate(1980m) – Arusha
Distance: ~ 9 km
Time: 3-5 hours
Zone: Rainforest
After enjoying breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will commence a relaxed descent through the lush rainforest, soaking in the sights and sounds as you make your way to Mweka Gate (1980m). Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will have the opportunity to receive certificates commemorating your achievement if you successfully reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
At the gate, our drivers will be on hand, ready to transport you to your hotel in Arusha. Once at the hotel, you can revel in a long warm shower, basking in the comfort and relaxation after your exhilarating adventure. Take this time to reflect on your journey, celebrate your success, and savor the memories of conquering Kilimanjaro.