pick up and transferred to the Hotel
Elevation (ft): 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate, where we complete park formalities before starting our trek. The trail winds through lush rainforest, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. We gradually ascend to Big Tree Camp, our first campsite, nestled beneath towering trees.
Elevation (ft): 9,498 ft to 11,499 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens up to expansive views of the Shira Plateau as we ascend through moorland. We trek across rolling hills and volcanic rock formations before reaching Shira 1 Camp, where we set up camp amidst the vast wilderness.
Elevation (ft): 11,499 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Continuing our ascent, we hike towards Shira 2 Camp, crossing the Shira Ridge along the way. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and barren as we approach the campsite, offering stunning panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic terrain.
Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft (Lava Tower) to 13,000 ft (Barranco Camp)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today's hike takes us to the striking Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic formation that serves as a crucial acclimatization point. After a brief stop at Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, traversing through the alpine desert and navigating the iconic Barranco Wall.
Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Ascending the Barranco Wall, we negotiate its rocky terrain using handholds and footholds. Once atop the wall, the trail levels out as we trek towards Karanga Camp, situated in a picturesque valley with stunning views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers.
Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our journey continues as we ascend towards Barafu Camp, our final base camp before the summit push. The trail leads us through the stark and rugged alpine desert, with the summit of Kilimanjaro looming ever closer on the horizon. At Barafu Camp, we rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.
Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 10,065 ft (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 15 km/9 miles ascent, 12 km/7 miles descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Rain Forest
In the early hours of the morning, we embark on the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The ascent is challenging, with trekkers navigating steep and icy terrain by the light of their headlamps. Upon reaching the summit, we celebrate our accomplishment before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. Descending through various ecological zones, including the alpine desert and lush rainforest, we finally arrive at Mweka Camp, where we spend our last night on the mountain.
Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our final day of trekking, we descend through the dense and enchanting rainforest, retracing our steps towards Mweka Gate. Here, we bid farewell to Mount Kilimanjaro as we collect our summit certificates and board vehicles to transfer back to the hotel in Moshi, marking the end of our unforgettable journey.
