Your journey begins with an arrival in Moshi, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow climbers. After a brief orientation and equipment check, you’ll rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The real Kilimanjaro experience begins as you drive to the Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of the mountain. From here, you’ll embark on your first day of trekking, passing through lush rainforests with the promise of spotting wildlife and unique flora along the way. The trail leads you to Mti Mkubwa Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,750 meters.
You’ll continue your ascent through the rainforest, eventually reaching the Shira Plateau. This day’s hike takes you from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp at an altitude of around 3,500 meters. The environment changes dramatically from dense forest to moorland, and the landscape opens up, providing breathtaking panoramic views.
The route gradually gains altitude as you head to Shira 2 Camp, positioned at about 3,900 meters. It’s here that you’ll begin to notice the remarkable transition from lush greenery to the more barren alpine desert, showcasing Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.
As you make your way to Lava Tower, which stands at 4,640 meters, you’ll experience increased altitude. The Lava Tower serves as a vital acclimatization point where you’ll spend some time before descending to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the unique high-altitude vegetation and geological features.
The Barranco Wall awaits, a challenging yet exhilarating climb that leads you to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters. The breathtaking Barranco Valley surrounds you, and the striking Barranco Camp lies beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, offering an unforgettable setting for your overnight stay.
A scenic journey takes you from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, perched at an elevation of about 4,035 meters. Along the way, you’ll appreciate the stunning views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers and the Southern Icefield.
Continuing your ascent, you’ll progress from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at 4,640 meters, positioning you for the final push to the summit. Barafu Camp is your base for acclimatization and preparation for the summit attempt, and you’ll rest early in anticipation of the summit climb.
The grand finale awaits as you begin the challenging trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters. You’ll summit in the early hours of the morning, bearing witness to the breathtaking sunrise. Descending from the summit, you’ll return to Barafu Camp for rest and then make your way to Mweka Camp, situated at around 3,100 meters.
