Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you’ve opted for the airport transfer, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. A pre-trek briefing will be held at your hotel, where we’ll review the itinerary in detail, discuss safety protocols, and go over essential trekking tips to help you prepare for the climb. We will also check your equipment to ensure you have everything needed for a successful trek. Any missing gear can be rented on this day. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek starts to adjust to the altitude and get enough rest before the adventure begins.

Day 1: Moshi Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a detailed briefing, we drive from Moshi to Lemosho Park Gate, where the adventure begins. Here, you will complete registration formalities before entering the park. A 4WD vehicle then takes us through the dense rainforest to Lemosho Glades, where the trek starts. The trail meanders through the lush Montane Forest, teeming with wildlife such as blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The path is well-shaded and scenic, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, our first overnight stop.

• Elevation: 1830m (6000ft) to 2650m (8700ft)
• Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues through the forest before entering the heather and moorland zone. As the trail steepens, you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hillsides. The route crosses several streams before climbing over the Shira Ridge, which offers panoramic vistas of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. We then descend gently to Shira 1 Camp, set beside a mountain stream. This area is known for its giant heather and lobelias, which add to the surreal, otherworldly landscape.

• Elevation: 2650m (8700ft) to 3500m (11,500ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s hike is a gentle ascent across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The trail meanders through rolling moorland meadows dotted with unique flora, including senecio and lobelia plants. As we advance, we’re treated to spectacular views of Kibo Peak in the distance. This relatively easy day aids acclimatization and allows for optional short hikes around the Shira Plateau to enhance altitude adaptation. We set up camp at Shira 2, situated near a flowing stream.

• Elevation: 3500m (11,500ft) to 3850m (12,600ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Leaving the Shira Plateau behind, we continue eastward up a rocky ridge, enjoying scenic views of the Kibo Peak. The route then turns southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650m/15,250ft). This is a significant altitude gain, and we spend some time here to acclimatize before descending into the Barranco Valley. The day’s trek ends at Barranco Camp, situated beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. Despite finishing at a similar elevation to the start, this day plays a crucial role in acclimatization by exposing you to high altitudes.

• Elevation: 3850m (12,600ft) to 4000m (13,000ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After an early breakfast, we tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep rock face requiring some light scrambling but no technical climbing skills. The climb is challenging yet rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After conquering the Wall, we descend into the Karanga Valley, surrounded by surreal landscapes of alpine desert. We continue to Karanga Camp, which serves as a short but vital acclimatization day.

• Elevation: 4000m (13,000ft) to 4050m (13,250ft)
• Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
• Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push. This section of the trail is marked by a steady climb through an increasingly barren alpine desert. Upon arrival, we set up camp, rest, and have an early dinner to prepare for the midnight summit attempt. The evening is spent checking gear and mentally preparing for the most challenging leg of the journey.

• Elevation: 4050m (13,250ft) to 4700m (15,350ft)
• Distance: 4 km (2 mi)
• Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

We begin the summit push between midnight and 2 am, navigating through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most demanding part of the trek, both mentally and physically. At Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating and taking photos, we descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The descent is steep and can be slippery, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful.

• Elevation: 4700m (15,350ft) to 5895m (19,340ft), then down to 3090m (10,150ft)
• Distance: 5 km (3 mi) up, 13 km (8 mi) down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi Hotel

The final descent leads through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. At the gate, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.

• Elevation: 3090m (10,150ft) to 1680m (5500ft)
• Distance: 10 km (6 mi)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast