Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, where registration and permits are completed. After meeting your guides and porters, the trek sets off through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest. You’ll hike under towering trees alive with monkeys, colorful birds, and thick green moss. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”), a cozy site in the forest where you’ll enjoy your first dinner under the stars.

• Distance: ~6 km | Trekking time: 3–4 hours

Leaving the forest behind, the path climbs steadily into the heath and moorland zone. The trees thin out, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. As you cross streams and rocky outcrops, you’ll notice the dramatic change in landscape. By afternoon, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set on a high plateau with open skies—perfect for stargazing. On clear evenings, Mount Meru can be seen in the distance.

• Distance: ~8 km | Trekking time: 5–6 hours

Today is a shorter trek, giving your body time to acclimatize. You’ll cross the wide-open Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking landscapes, with rolling meadows of wildflowers and volcanic rock formations. The day is not too strenuous, allowing you to explore the area or rest. You’ll spend the night at Shira 2 Camp, with close-up views of Kibo Peak. This camp sits at the base of the mountain, offering a dramatic backdrop for photos.

• Distance: ~7 km | Trekking time: 3–4 hours

This is an important acclimatization day. The trail climbs steadily to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll rest and have lunch. This exposure to higher altitude allows your body to adapt. Afterward, you descend slightly to Moir Hut, a quieter and less crowded campsite nestled beneath steep cliffs. Sleeping lower than the high point of the day strengthens acclimatization.

• Distance: ~9 km | Trekking time: 6–7 hours

The day begins with a trek across rocky terrain and ridges, with views of Kibo’s glaciers and the rugged Barranco Valley. After some ups and downs, you’ll descend into the lush valley filled with giant lobelias and groundsels. Camp tonight at the scenic Barranco Camp, one of the most picturesque sites on Kilimanjaro.

• Distance: ~6 km | Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Your morning starts with the exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the climb. Though it looks steep, it’s safe and rewarding, with breathtaking views from the top. The trail continues through ridges and valleys until you reach Karanga Camp, a key acclimatization stop before the summit push.

• Distance: ~5 km | Trekking time: 4–5 hours

A shorter but steep climb leads to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit attempt. The barren alpine desert offers a dramatic setting, with glaciers visible in the distance. Arriving early gives you time to rest, eat, and prepare for the toughest part of the trek. After an early dinner, you’ll rest for a few hours before the midnight wake-up call.

• Distance: ~4 km | Trekking time: 3–4 hours

The summit day begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you climb slowly but steadily towards Stella Point (5,739m), where the sunrise paints the glaciers gold. From here, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificate, and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and well-earned rest.

• Distance: ~16 km | Trekking time: 12–14 hours