We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where we will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Day 2: Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
7h · Admission ticket included
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 3: Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro
7h · Admission ticket included
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
10h · Admission ticket included
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 4,206m/13,800ft to 4,630 m/15,190ft
Distance: 7km/4miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,630 m/15,190ft to 3,976m/13,044ft
Distance: 3km/2miles
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
6h · Admission ticket included
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb a steep cliff nearly 274m/900ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,976m/13,044ft to 3,995m/13,106ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
6h · Admission ticket included
We leave Karanga and reach the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft to 4,673m/15,331ft
Distance: 4km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
9h · Admission ticket included
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4,673m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 5 km/3miles
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Zone: Arctic
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,068m/10,065ft
Distance: 12km/7miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mount Kilimanjaro
5h · Admission ticket included
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,068m/10,065ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Our office is in this Building at 4th floor.
End point
Our office is in this Building at 4th floor.
Pickup details
Our pick-up team will be present at the designated meeting point to welcome you. Your name will be prominently displayed to facilitate their identification.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
