8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Private Guided Trekking

Day 1: Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Hotel in Arusha

1. Arusha
   2h
   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a professional driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Arusha, a lively town situated at the foot of Mount Meru and a central hub for Northern Tanzania’s adventures.
   Later in the day, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed Kilimanjaro pre-climb briefing. This session includes a review of the route, a gear check, safety guidelines, and an opportunity to ask any final questions in preparation for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Arusha – Londorosi Gate – Big Tree Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   5h
   You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha at 08:00 AM and transferred by vehicle to Londorosi Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, registration formalities will be completed with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
   Following registration, you will continue by vehicle to the Lemosho Trailhead (approx. 2,100m), the official starting point of your trek. After meeting your trekking crew and final gear checks, the adventure begins with a gentle ascent through pristine montane forest, rich in flora and fauna.
   Today's hike is relatively short and scenic, allowing time to acclimatize while enjoying the lush forest environment. After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Big Tree Camp (also known as Mti Mkubwa Camp), situated at an elevation of around 2,800 meters, where you will settle in for the night.
   
   Trek Overview:
   • Starting Point: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m)
   • Ending Point: Big Tree Camp (2,800 m)
   • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast at Big Tree Camp, you will begin your ascent towards the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas on Mount Kilimanjaro. Today’s trek takes you through a transition zone from dense montane forest into the heath and moorland zone, where vegetation becomes more sparse and panoramic views begin to open up.
   As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of elevation, so the pace remains slow and steady to allow for proper acclimatization. The trail gently ascends across ridges and open terrain, eventually reaching Shira 1 Camp (3,600m). This camp offers expansive views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plateau, and is an excellent spot to rest and enjoy your first night above the forest line.
   Trek Overview:
   • Starting Elevation: 2,800 m (Big Tree Camp)
   • Ending Elevation: 3,600 m (Shira 1 Camp)
   • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
   • Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   4h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, the trek continues across the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful and expansive high-altitude landscapes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Today’s hike from Shira 1 Camp (3,600m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) is relatively moderate, allowing for further acclimatization as you steadily gain elevation.
   You will cross open moorland dotted with unique alpine vegetation, such as giant groundsels and lobelias, while enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys. If the skies are clear, you may also catch glimpses of Mount Meru in the distance.
   You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, with time to rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the following day's longer trek.
   
   Trek Overview:
   • Starting Elevation: 3,600 m (Shira 1 Camp)
   • Ending Elevation: 3,900 m (Shira 2 Camp)
   • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   • Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Today’s trek is a key acclimatization day as you ascend to higher altitudes before descending again to sleep. After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp (3,900m), the trail gradually climbs through the alpine desert zone, passing volcanic rock formations and offering expansive views of the mountain.
   You will ascend to the Lava Tower at an elevation of approximately 4,630 meters, where you'll pause for lunch and rest. Though this is one of the highest points of the day, it plays a crucial role in helping your body adjust to the altitude following the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
   After lunch, you’ll descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, with its dramatic cliffs and lush scenery. The day concludes at Barranco Camp (3,960m), set beneath the imposing face of the Barranco Wall, which you’ll tackle the following morning.
   
   Trek Overview:
   • Starting Elevation: 3,900 m (Shira 2 Camp)
   • Maximum Elevation: 4,630 m (Lava Tower)
   • Ending Elevation: 3,960 m (Barranco Camp)
   • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, you will begin your day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The ascent up the wall is often a highlight of the trek, as it provides both a sense of challenge and reward, with sweeping vistas over the Karanga Valley.
   Once at the top, the trail undulates through alpine terrain with occasional rocky sections, gradually descending into the Karanga Valley before a final short ascent to Karanga Camp (4,035m). This is a relatively short trekking day, designed to allow additional acclimatization and rest before the summit push in the coming days.
   You will arrive at camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the high-altitude scenery.
   
   Trek Overview:
   
   • Starting Elevation: 3,960 m (Barranco Camp)
   • Ending Elevation: 4,035 m (Karanga Camp)
   • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
   • Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   4h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast at Karanga Camp, you will begin your ascent toward Barafu Camp (4,673 m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail is steep in some sections and crosses barren alpine desert terrain with increasingly sparse vegetation, offering dramatic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding glaciers.
   Today’s trek is relatively short but taken at a slow and steady pace to ensure proper acclimatization before your overnight stay at high altitude. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will have time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the early morning summit attempt.
   An early dinner will be served, followed by a few hours of rest before you are woken around midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak under the stars.
   
   Trek Overview:
   
   • Starting Elevation: 4,035 m (Karanga Camp)
   • Ending Elevation: 4,673 m (Barafu Camp)
   • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   • Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) & Descent to Millennium Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Today is the summit day the highlight of your Kilimanjaro expedition. The climb begins shortly after midnight under a starlit sky, allowing you to reach the summit in time for the spectacular sunrise over the African plains. From Barafu Camp (4,673 m), you will ascend steadily on steep switchbacks across volcanic scree, passing notable points such as Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim before making the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) the highest point in Africa.
   After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs at the summit, you will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments. The trek then continues down to Millennium Camp (3,950 m), where you will spend the night surrounded by alpine forest.

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), Transfer to Arusha

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, begin your final descent on Kilimanjaro, trekking from Millennium Camp (3,950 m) through lush montane forest, home to a variety of bird species and the occasional colobus monkey. The trail gradually descends to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), where you will complete park formalities and receive your official summit certificate from the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities — a well-earned recognition of your achievement.
   From Mweka Gate, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Arusha for an evening of relaxation. Tonight, enjoy a celebration dinner with your team to mark the successful completion of your climb to the Roof of Africa.

Day 10: Departure

1. Arusha
   4h
   At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel in Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to connect with your onward or homebound flight.

Pickup details

Pick-up is available from hotels in Arusha town or Arusha Airport (ARK). For airport pick-ups, our driver-guide will be waiting at the arrivals area holding a sign with your name. Please provide your arrival details in advance to ensure a smooth transfer. Pick-up from other locations can be arranged upon request and may incur an additional cost.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness