Distance: 7 km | Time: 3-4 hours Depart from Arusha for Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Start trekking through the lush rainforest, with possible sightings of blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The trail winds through dense greenery and moss-covered trees. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for dinner and overnight.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5-6 hours Leave the rainforest behind as you enter the heather and moorland zone, where you’ll cross rocky slopes and open grassy areas. Along the way, you’ll catch your first expansive views of the Shira Plateau and the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set in the open moorland, for an afternoon rest, dinner, and overnight.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 3-4 hours Today is a relatively short hike across the Shira Plateau, allowing time to acclimate to the increasing altitude. Walk across the rocky plateau with views of the Western Breach and Shira Cathedral. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, where you can explore the area or relax. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp, where temperatures begin to cool significantly.
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower) and down to 4,200m
Distance: 14 km | Time: 7-8 hours The day begins with a gradual ascent to Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of 4,600m. This is a critical acclimatization day, exposing you to higher altitude before descending. After spending time at Lava Tower, descend to Moir Hut, located in a secluded valley. Moir Hut is a quiet and scenic camp, perfect for acclimatization and surrounded by striking landscapes. Overnight at Moir Hut.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5-7 hours This day involves crossing the alpine desert as you trek around the northern slopes, with views of Kenya's vast plains. The trail is lightly traveled, offering a sense of solitude and unique vistas. Arrive at Buffalo Camp by afternoon, where you’ll rest and enjoy views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and distant plains. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5-6 hours Today’s route is a relatively gentle trek across sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. Traverse the northern circuit path, taking in expansive views and breathing in the crisp alpine air. Arrive at Third Cave by early afternoon. This camp is designed to provide another night for acclimatization before the summit attempt. Rest, dinner, and overnight at Third Cave.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4-5 hours Today, continue the ascent to School Hut, which serves as the base camp for the summit attempt. The route offers panoramic views, with little vegetation due to the high altitude. Arrive at School Hut by early afternoon, where you'll prepare for the summit night. After an early dinner, get a few hours of rest before the midnight climb.
Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (summit) and then down to 3,068m
Distance: 17 km | Time: 12-15 hours Wake up around midnight and begin the final ascent to the summit. The challenging path climbs through scree and rocky slopes to reach Stella Point at sunrise. From here, it’s a relatively short push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating and taking in the views, begin the descent. Return to School Hut for a short break and continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest and celebration dinner.
Inclusives
Park fees and permits
Mountain guide, porters, and cook
Three meals a day, drinking water
Accommodation in huts or tents (depending on the route)