Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

The journey begins with a departure from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where entry formalities are completed. Following this, a drive to the Lemosho trailhead takes place. Upon arrival, the hike commences through pristine forest leading to the first campsite.

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

The trail continues out of the rain forest into a savannah filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. As the ascent progresses through lush hills and across streams, the Shira Ridge is reached before a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp, offering the first view of Kibo across the plateau.

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

A full day is spent exploring the Shira Plateau. The walk is gentle, heading east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. A diversion from the main trail leads to Moir Hut, a less frequented site at the base of Lent Hills. Various walks on Lent Hills provide excellent acclimatization opportunities. Shira Plateau is among the highest plateaus globally.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a climb up a ridge, heading southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft volcanic rock formation. The descent to Barranco Camp passes through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest, reaching an altitude of 13,000 ft. Despite starting and ending at the same elevation, time spent at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with a descent into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a climb up the steep, yet non-technical, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top, the path crosses hills and valleys before a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb leads to Karanga Camp, designed as a shorter day for acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Departing Karanga, the route connects with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to the rocky Barafu Hut. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, offering diverse summit views. The camp is set up here, allowing for rest and an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible from this location.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

The summit push begins very early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The wind and cold can be intense at this elevation and time. The ascent is made in darkness with frequent short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak is witnessed. Finally, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa, is reached.

The descent continues directly to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees; trekking poles are beneficial. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon. The evening is spent enjoying the last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On the final day, the descent to Mweka Gate continues, where summit certificates are collected. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy. From the gate, an additional hour’s walk leads to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transport everyone back to the hotel in Arusha.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All Fees and Taxes

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.