Mount Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

We depart from Moshi towards Lemosho Gate, a journey taking approximately 4 hours. At the gate, you will complete entry formalities before commencing the hike through undisturbed forest, which meanders to the first campsite.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Continuing on the trail out of the rainforest, we enter a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp, where the first views of Kibo across the plateau greet us.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Today, we explore the Shira Plateau extensively, walking east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then veer off the main trail towards Moir Hut, a lesser-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Numerous walks on Lent Hills offer excellent acclimatization opportunities. Shira Plateau stands as one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Our day begins with a climb up a ridge before heading southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descending to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest at an altitude of 13,000 ft, despite starting and ending at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.
Elevation (to Lava Tower): 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance (to Lava Tower): 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time (to Lava Tower): 4-5 hours
Habitat (to Lava Tower): Alpine Desert
Elevation (to Barranco Camp): 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance (to Barranco Camp): 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time (to Barranco Camp): 2-3 hours
Habitat (to Barranco Camp): Alpine Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Descending into a ravine, we approach the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Climbing the non-technical yet steep 900 ft cliff, we cross hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. Another steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Leaving Karanga, we join the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, then ascend to Barafu Hut through a rocky section. Completing the Southern Circuit, this vantage point offers varied views of the summit. Here, we rest, dine early, and prepare for summit day, with Mawenzi and Kibo peaks visible.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

Embarking on our summit push during daylight hours, this segment proves the most physically and mentally demanding. We ascend steadily, taking frequent short breaks as the trail transforms into heavy scree. Reaching Stella Point at 18,900 ft, the summit sign at Uhuru Peak finally comes into view. Descending briefly to Crater Camp, the staff joins us to set up camp. Options include a hike to Reusch Crater or exploration around Furtwangler Glacier.
Elevation (to Uhuru Peak): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance (to Uhuru Peak): 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time (to Uhuru Peak): 7-8 hours
Habitat (to Uhuru Peak): Arctic
Elevation (to Crater Camp): 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Distance (to Crater Camp): 1 km/.6 miles
Hiking Time (to Crater Camp): 0.5-1 hours
Habitat (to Crater Camp): Arctic

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

Descending from Crater Camp, we continue to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail, rocky and demanding on the knees, passes through upper forest where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. The day concludes with dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. From the gate, we proceed to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transfer us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest