Your trek begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. After registration, you’ll be transferred by vehicle to the trailhead. Hike through a lush, green rainforest with towering fig trees, rich vegetation, and possible sightings of colobus monkeys. The trail is damp and shaded, with gradual elevation gain. You’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon, where your tents will be set up and a warm meal served under the forest canopy. This is a gentle day to ease into the journey and begin acclimatization.
Today’s route leaves the rainforest behind and enters the heather and moorland zone. You’ll ascend steadily along a ridge with expansive views of Shira Ridge and Kibo peak. The trail opens up into the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert landscape with wildflowers, lichens, and twisted shrubs. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue to Shira 1 Camp with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glacier-capped summit. The camp is exposed but beautifully located for stargazing.
A gentle trek across the rolling Shira Plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp. You’ll pass surreal volcanic rock formations and enjoy wide vistas across the plains below. This day is relatively easy, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, you’ll take a short acclimatization hike toward the Lava Tower before returning to camp. Enjoy a relaxing evening with hot food and early rest.
This is a critical acclimatization day. You’ll trek toward Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters. Though not the overnight stop, this high point helps your body adapt to the altitude. After lunch near Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the remote Moir Valley and arrive at Moir Hut—a quiet, secluded campsite beneath the Lent Hills. Optional evening hikes up the hills offer great sunset views and further acclimatization.
Today you begin traversing Kilimanjaro’s north face—a rarely traveled, tranquil route. The path ascends out of the Moir Valley and joins a high-altitude trail with fantastic views toward Kenya. You’ll enjoy a steady walk over undulating terrain with scenic rest points. After crossing a few ridges and valleys, you’ll descend slightly to Buffalo Camp, nestled among alpine shrubs. The area is windy but offers a unique wilderness feel.
The trail continues eastward across the northern slopes. This quieter path provides constant vistas of the Kenyan plains below. It’s another day focused on acclimatization as you gradually descend and then climb to reach Third Cave Camp. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the environment feels more alpine. After a nutritious dinner, get some rest for the demanding days ahead.
A shorter but steeper day leads to School Hut, your base camp for summit night. The trail ascends through barren alpine desert, with increasing wind and colder temperatures. Once at camp, you’ll have a hot meal and receive a summit briefing from your guides. Get to bed early—summit push begins around midnight.
Summit day! Around midnight, begin your final ascent with headlamps lighting the trail. Trek slowly in switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m), then on to Stella Point (5,739m), and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. Enjoy the sunrise and breathtaking views from the summit before descending back to Barafu for rest and brunch. Continue your descent to Mweka Camp for your final overnight.
Today’s descent takes you back into the rainforest zone, where trails can be muddy and slippery. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive a summit certificate. Your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, celebratory dinner, and well-earned rest after conquering Africa’s highest peak.
Nederlands
Русский
Español
Français
中文
