Kilimanjaro Routes & Safari Itineraries

Arrival Day: Arrive in Arusha

• Elevation: ~1400m / 4590ft

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are met after clearing customs. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a full briefing and equipment check with your guide team. This is an important preparation day before the trek begins.

Day 1: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp)

• Elevation: 2360m / 7742ft to 2895m / 9498ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, depart Arusha for the western side of Kilimanjaro. Complete park registration at Londorossi Gate, then drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades. Begin trekking through dense rainforest, which can be wet and muddy. Reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) in the afternoon.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2895m / 9498ft to 3505m / 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest to Moorland

Climb steadily out of the forest through podocarpus and juniper woodland before emerging onto the Shira Plateau. The terrain opens into heather and volcanic rock, with expansive views of Kibo. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3505m / 11,500ft to 3810m / 12,500ft
• Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing for gradual acclimatization. The plateau is exposed, and temperatures can drop significantly at night. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp

• Elevation: 3810m / 12,500ft to ~4200m / 13,780ft
• Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert

After breakfast, continue across the high-altitude caldera with wide, open views. As the route begins to diverge from the main southern trails, the environment becomes quieter and more remote. Camp near Moir Hut in a rugged alpine setting with views toward the upper slopes of Kibo and surrounding volcanic features.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (Pofu Camp)

• Elevation: ~4200m / 13,780ft to ~4020m / 13,200ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Climb out of the Moir Valley and, if conditions allow, take a short acclimatization detour toward the Lent Hills. Continue east along the Northern Circuit through a remote and rarely traveled section of the mountain. The landscape is vast and open, with views stretching across the plains to the north. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

• Elevation: ~4020m / 13,200ft to ~3870m / 12,700ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue traversing the northern slopes across a series of valleys and ridges. The terrain remains dry and sparsely vegetated, emphasizing the remote nature of this route. As you move closer to the eastern side of the mountain, views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent. Overnight at Third Cave Camp.

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut Camp

• Elevation: ~3870m / 12,700ft to 4800m / 15,600ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascend steadily to School Hut, located in the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. This is your final camp before the summit attempt. Arrive in the early afternoon, rest, hydrate, and prepare summit gear. Early dinner and sleep before the midnight ascent.

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4800m / 15,600ft to 5895m / 19,341ft, then down to 3070m / 10,065ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 miles ascent; 12 km / 7 miles descent
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Begin the summit climb around midnight. Ascend steep switchbacks of loose volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point at the crater rim. Pause briefly before continuing along the rim to Uhuru Peak, passing glaciers and ice formations along the way.

After celebrating at the summit, begin the descent via Stella Point and Barafu Camp, continuing down to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

• Elevation: 3070m / 10,065ft to 1640m / 5380ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain before descending through lush forest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy, requiring careful footing. Upon arrival, receive your summit certificate, say farewell to your crew, and transfer back to Arusha.

Day 10: Departure

• Elevation: ~1400m / 4590ft

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure, or continue onward to a safari or Zanzibar extension depending on your travel plans.