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 one of the most important acclimatization days on the trek. You’ll ascend steadily to Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic volcanic formation where lunch is served. Though the altitude is challenging, this “climb high, sleep low” strategy boosts your body’s ability to adapt. After resting at Lava Tower, you descend into the lush Barranco Valley, a green oasis filled with giant groundsels and lobelias. Overnight at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic campsites on Kilimanjaro.

• Distance: ~10 km | Trekking time: 6–8 hours

Your morning begins with the thrilling ascent of the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards climbers with sweeping views from the top. After this exciting challenge, the path undulates through valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp. This site serves as an important acclimatization stop and offers wide views of the southern glaciers. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push in the coming days.

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

A shorter but steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, your launching point for the summit. The trail passes through alpine desert, with little vegetation and dramatic, barren landscapes. Arriving by midday allows you to rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit attempt. You’ll sleep a few hours before the midnight wake-up call. The anticipation is high—you’re one step from the Roof of Africa.

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

The most demanding yet rewarding day begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you slowly ascend through switchbacks, battling the cold and altitude. After several hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, greeted by the first rays of sunrise. The final stretch leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with photos and the achievement of a lifetime.

After descending to Barafu for a short rest, you’ll continue down through moorland and rainforest to reach Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll sign out, collect your summit certificate, and bid farewell to the mountain before returning to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.

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