If you have chosen the optional airport transfer, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi.

Upon arrival, you will have a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We recommend arriving at least one day before your trek begins. During the briefing, we will go over the trek details, review your gear, and arrange any necessary equipment rentals.

After breakfast and a final briefing, we drive to the Lemosho Park Gate. From there, a 4WD vehicle takes us along a forest track to Lemosho Glades. The trek begins with a gentle hike through the lush montane forest, leading to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

• Elevation: 1,830m (6,000ft) to 2,650m (8,700ft)
• Distance: 6km (4mi)
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends, transitioning from dense forest into the giant heather and moorland zone. We cross several streams before climbing over the Shira Ridge, passing Shira 1 Camp, and continuing to Shira 2 Camp, which is set in open moorland meadows near a stream.

• Elevation: 2,650m (8,700ft) to 3,850m (12,600ft)
• Distance: 16km (10mi)
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the Shira Plateau, we ascend eastward along a ridge, passing the junction that leads to Kibo’s peak. The trail then turns southeast toward the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650m/15,250ft). After reaching the Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp.

Though the day ends at a similar elevation to where it began, this trek plays a crucial role in acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the altitude in preparation for summit day.

• Elevation: 3,850m (12,600ft) to 4,000m (13,000ft)
• Distance: 8km (5mi)
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from multiple angles. Upon arrival, we set up camp, rest, and have an early dinner in preparation for the final push to the summit.

• Elevation: 4,050m (13,250ft) to 4,700m (15,350ft)
• Distance: 4km (2mi)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start very early (midnight to 2 AM) and make our way to the summit, traversing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The trail ascends through loose scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most physically and mentally demanding section of the trek. At Stella Point, we take a short break and are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may reach the summit in time to watch the sunrise from the top.

From Stella Point, the final one-hour ascent to the summit may involve snow, and once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and all of Africa!

After a brief celebration, we begin our descent, heading down to Mweka Camp, with a stop for lunch at Barafu Camp. The descent can be tough, with loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles may be helpful. Upon arrival at Mweka Camp, we enjoy our final evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,700m (15,350ft) to 5,895m (19,340ft)
  Down to: 3,090m (10,150ft)
• Distance: 5km (3mi) up / 13km (8mi) down
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the trail can become wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. At this stage, shorts and t-shirts are typically sufficient, though it’s a good idea to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

A Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately a 60-minute drive).

• Elevation: 3,090m (10,150ft) to 1,680m (5,500ft)
• Distance: 10km (6mi)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast