pick up and transferred to the Hotel
Elevation (ft): 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 7 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, offering glimpses of exotic wildlife and colorful bird species. We gradually ascend to Mti Mkubwa Camp, our first campsite, nestled amidst the towering trees.
Elevation (ft): 9,498 ft to 11,499 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens up to expansive views of the Shira Plateau as we ascend towards Shira 1 Camp. We trek across rolling hills and volcanic rock formations, with the imposing peaks of Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon.
Elevation (ft): 11,499 ft to 13,650 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Continuing our ascent, we hike towards Moir Hut, situated in a remote and scenic location on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding moorland, with vast expanses of alpine desert stretching out before us.
Elevation (ft): 13,650 ft to 13,780 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our journey continues as we trek towards Pofu Camp, crossing rugged terrain and rocky landscapes along the way. The trail leads us through the stark and barren alpine desert, with the summit of Kilimanjaro looming above us.
Elevation (ft): 13,780 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland
Descending from the alpine desert, we trek towards Third Cave Camp, traversing through diverse habitats and ecological zones. The trail offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro's northern slopes, with lush vegetation and scenic landscapes surrounding us.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,584 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our ascent continues as we hike towards School Hut, our final base camp before the summit push. The trail leads us through the stark and barren alpine desert, with the summit of Kilimanjaro looming ever closer on the horizon. At School Hut, we rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.
Elevation (ft): 15,584 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 12,532 ft (Millennium Camp)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles ascent, 12 km/7 miles descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Moorland
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 Millennium Camp. Descending through various ecological zones, including the alpine desert and moorland, we finally arrive at Millennium Camp, where we spend our last night on the mountain.
Elevation (ft): 12,532 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 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.
