Your journey to the Roof of Africa starts with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western flank. After registration and logistics, the trek begins through the dense and humid rainforest, home to blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and an array of birdlife. It’s a peaceful, scenic start to your climb.

• Elevation: 7,742 ft (2,360 m) to 9,498 ft (2,895 m)

• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (non-alcoholic beverages)

As you leave the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily through moorland and heath terrain. The trees begin to thin out and give way to giant heathers, rocky outcrops, and incredible views of the Shira Plateau, an ancient collapsed volcanic crater. Today is your first glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic highland landscapes.

• Elevation: 9,498 ft (2,895 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m)

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Heath and moorland

• Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today’s trek is an enjoyable and scenic walk across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. You’ll ascend steadily with sweeping views of the mountain and stop at Moir Hut, a remote and less-frequented campsite that offers a perfect acclimatization opportunity. Optional hikes around the area are available in the afternoon.

• Elevation: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to 13,800 ft (4,206 m)

• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Habitat: Heath zone

• Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This is a vital acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (a striking volcanic formation at 15,190 ft), where you’ll pause for lunch. You may feel the altitude here, which is part of the plan. The descent to Barranco Camp gives your body a chance to adjust, and the views of the towering Barranco Wall will take your breath away.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft (4,206 m to 4,630 m)

Distance: 7 km (4 miles)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft (4,630 m to 3,976 m)

Distance: 3 km (2 miles)

Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today’s trek starts with a thrilling scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall – a steep but doable climb with panoramic views that reward your effort. The trail then undulates through valleys and ridges until reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest, acclimatize further, and enjoy views of the summit cone looming closer.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft (3,976 m) to 13,106 ft (3,995 m)

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

A shorter trekking day, the path to Barafu is a steady uphill through a windswept alpine desert. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit push. The excitement and anticipation build as you prepare for a midnight departure to Uhuru Peak.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft (3,995 m) to 15,331 ft (4,673 m)

• Distance: 4 km (2 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, early dinner

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. After a midnight wake-up call, you’ll ascend through freezing winds and scree fields to Stella Point on the crater rim, then push onward to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (4,673 m to 5,895 m)

  • Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

  • Habitat: Arctic

• Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft (5,895 m to 3,068 m)

  • Distance: 12 km (7 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

• Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Your final morning on Kilimanjaro begins with a descent through the lush rainforest, often mist-covered and alive with bird calls. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew. A vehicle will return you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,068 m) to 5,380 ft (1,640 m)

• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch