Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing
Arrive at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will take place at the hotel, where your gear will be checked, and any necessary equipment will be rented. It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek starts.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From there, a 4WD vehicle will take you to the Lemosho Glades. Begin your trek along the forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp for an overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens, entering the giant heather moorland zone. Cross several streams, and after ascending the Shira Ridge, descend gently to Shira 1 Camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, take a gentle hike across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, located in moorland meadows by a stream. This day is great for acclimatization, with optional hikes available on the Shira Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, head east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. Continue southeast towards the Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft), known as “Shark’s Tooth.” Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp. This day is critical for acclimatization, as you end the day at a similar elevation but have gained significant altitude during the hike.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, where you’ll find the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. Continue up to Karanga Camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Ascend to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers magnificent views of the summit from multiple angles. Rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Start the summit ascent very early (midnight to 2 am). The climb will be through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, ascending through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Rest briefly, and those hiking faster may be able to watch the sunrise from the summit. Continue your climb to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.
After reaching the summit, descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. This descent can be challenging, so trekking poles and gaiters are recommended for the loose gravel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit)
Descend: 3090m/10,150ft (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, continue descending to Mweka Park Gate where you will receive your summit certificate. The final descent is through a forested area that can be wet and muddy. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 60 minutes).
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
