Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival at Kilimanjaro
Arrive in Tanzania and transfer to your lodge in Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This evening you will meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Moshi hotel
Meals: Not included
Day 02
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to the Lemosho Gate on the western side of the mountain. After completing park registration, the trek begins through dense rainforest filled with towering trees and wildlife.
A gradual climb leads to your first camp deep in the forest.
Trekking distance: ~7 km / 4.5 mi
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Start altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
Camp altitude: 2,780 m / 9,120 ft
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 03
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
The trail climbs out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone. As the vegetation thins, expansive views open up across the Shira Plateau and the rugged volcanic landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Trekking distance: ~7 km / 4.5 mi
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Camp altitude: 3,505 m / 11,500 ft
Overnight: Shira I Camp
Day 04
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s hike crosses the wide Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest summit. An optional acclimatization hike can be taken to Shira Cathedral, a dramatic volcanic ridge rising above the plateau.
Trekking distance: ~6 km / 4 mi
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Camp altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
Overnight: Shira II Camp
Day 05
Shira 2 to Barranco Camp
This is an important acclimatization day. The route climbs gradually into the alpine desert toward the dramatic Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley. Giant groundsels and unique alpine plants line the trail as you descend to camp.
Trekking distance: ~10 km / 6 mi
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Highest altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Camp altitude: 3,960 m / 12,990 ft
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 06
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall. This impressive rock face looks intimidating but is a straightforward scramble that rewards climbers with incredible views of the glacier-covered summit. After crossing valleys and ridges of alpine desert terrain, the trail descends to the Karanga Valley.
Trekking distance: ~6 km / 4 mi
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Camp altitude: 4,040 m / 13,255 ft
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 07
Karanga to Barafu Camp
A steady climb leads through barren alpine desert landscapes toward Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. After arriving, you will rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare gear for the midnight summit push.
Trekking distance: ~4 km / 2.5 mi
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Camp altitude: 4,640 m / 15,225 ft
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 08
Summit Day: Uhuru Peak
Around midnight the summit climb begins. Hiking slowly under the stars, you ascend steep volcanic slopes to Stella Point on the crater rim.
From there, the final stretch leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Trekking distance: ~19 km / 12 mi
Hiking time: 14–18 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 09
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Your final descent passes through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where the climb officially ends. Your vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Trekking distance: ~10 km / 6 mi
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Moshi hotel
Day 10
Departure
After breakfast your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes . Transfer to the airport or continue to your next destination in Tanzania.
Price per person for a private expedition
3-4 Travelers
$2,970
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All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, conservation fees and camping fees.
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Full porter support team
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Four-season expedition tents, sleeping mattress, and full campsite setup
5 Travelers
$2,755
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All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, conservation fees and camping fees.
-
Full porter support team
-
Four-season expedition tents, sleeping mattress, and full campsite setup
Request Your Private Group Dates
Fill out the form below to secure your spot for the 10-day Kilimanjaro Summit trek. Our expedition leaders will reach out with availability and travel logistics for your group.