Your Kilimanjaro journey begins with a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Londorossi Gate for registration formalities. After a scenic drive to the trailhead, we begin our gentle trek through the pristine, lush Rainforest zone. Keep an eye out for Black and White Colobus monkeys as you ascend the western slopes. This easy pace through the dense forest is the ideal, non-strenuous start, allowing your body to begin the acclimatization process smoothly before we reach Shira 1 Camp.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Gate: 7,800 ft (2,375 m) to Camp: 11,500 ft (3,505 m)

Distance 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Rainforest

Meals Lunch

Today is an awe-inspiring day of traversing the vast Shira Plateau, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaving the forest behind, the trail leads us into the Heath and Moorland zone, providing our first panoramic views of the main Kibo cone and the distant Mawenzi Peak. This hike is relatively flat and gentle, designed to allow for gradual elevation gain and excellent acclimatization while enjoying the breathtaking, high-altitude landscape.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)

Distance 7 km / 4.3 miles

Hike Time 3 – 4 hours

Habitat Heath and Moorland

Meals Full

This is the most critical acclimatization day. We trek from Shira 2 through the Alpine Desert up to the dramatic volcanic plug, Lava Tower (15,190 ft / 4,630 m). We spend time at this high elevation for maximum benefit before descending nearly 2,000 feet to the stunning Barranco Camp. This effective “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly boosts your body’s ability to adapt to high altitude, dramatically increasing your chance of a successful summit. The descent into the Barranco Valley, filled with giant groundsels, is visually spectacular.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to Lava Tower: 15,190 ft (4,630 m) / Descent to Camp: 13,000 ft (3,960 m)

Distance 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hike Time 6 – 8 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

Prepare for the thrilling challenge of the Barranco Wall! While intimidating in appearance, the Barranco Wall is a fun, non-technical scramble that serves as a fantastic morning warm-up. Our guides will ensure your safe passage up this 900-foot natural obstacle. Once atop the wall, we continue trekking through stunning valleys and ridges to reach Karanga Camp. This short day is perfect for consolidating our high altitude fitness before the final push.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 13,000 ft (3,960 m) to: 13,100 ft (3,995 m)

Distance 5 km / 3.1 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

The ultimate high-camp staging day. We ascend through the barren, high Alpine Desert towards Barafu Camp (which translates to ‘ice’ in Swahili), our base for the summit attempt. The views are incredible, with Kibo Peak looming large and Mawenzi Peak sharp against the horizon. This is a shorter, steady uphill climb designed to conserve energy. Upon arrival, we prepare our gear, have an early dinner, and rest for the midnight ascent.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 13,100 ft (3,995 m) to: 15,330 ft (4,673 m)

Distance 4 km / 2.5 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

The moment of truth! We begin our summit bid around midnight, trekking into the cold, stark Arctic zone. The challenging ascent leads us to Stella Point (18,600 ft / 5,669 m) on the crater rim, where you will witness the most spectacular sunrise of your life. We then continue the final traverse to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m)—the Roof of Africa! After celebrating this monumental achievement, we make a long, rapid descent back down to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Ascent: 15,330 ft (4,673 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) / Descent to Camp: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)

Distance Ascent: 5 km / 3.1 miles / Descent: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 7 – 8 hours (Ascent) / 5 – 6 hours (Descent)

Habitat Arctic and Moorland

Meals Full

A final, celebratory descent through the lush Rainforest. The air grows rich and warm with oxygen, giving you an exhilarating spring in your step. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your official summit certificate from the park authorities. Our comfortable Tanzania Songbirds Safaris vehicle will be ready and waiting to ensure a smooth, relaxing transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where a hot shower and celebration await, marking the successful end of your incredible climb.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to Gate: 5,400 ft (1,646 m)

Distance 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Rainforest

Meals Breakfast