Experience Details

Londorossi Gate (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750 m)

Hike time: 3-4 hours; elevation change: +650 m; final elevation: 2750m.

It’s a 2,5 hrs transit from Arusha into West Kilimanjaro Region. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate. After signing in the Park regulations, you will enjoy an easy hike through spectacular tropical rainforest. You will reach your first camp in the late afternoon. Hot drinks and hot dinner will be served.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750 m) to Shira I Camp (3600 m)

Hike time: 5-6 hours; elevation change: 850 m; final elevation: 3600m.

Departing from Camp after breakfast, the path continues through the heather and moorland. We cross the spectacular Shira Ridge and river streams created during the glacial period in East Africa. After lunch, you will climb the infamous Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira Crater. You will have your first view of Kibo’s glacial peak, your camp will be set up by the crew and you will rest and wait for dinner. Many people spend two nights here on the way up for acclimatization.

Shira I Camp (3600m) to Shira II Camp (3840m)

Hike time: 4 hours; elevation change: +240 m; final elevation: 3840m.

This extra acclimatization day will help you prepare for the push to the summit. The terrain is nearly flat and you are still hiking inside the Shira Plateau. You will hike only for 4 hours max before you reach Shira 2 campsite, enjoy the view of Shira peaks and the glorious sunrise. Hot Lunch and Dinner will be served at the camp

Shira II Camp (3840m) to Lava Tower (4600m)

Hike time: 3-4 hours; elevation change: +760 m; final elevation: 4600m.

 Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed over 690 meters to a height of 4600 meters. This day is vital for acclimatization so it’s important that you take it incredibly slow. After breakfast, continue east on the Shira Plateau for 2-3 hours before reaching the junction for Shira and Lemosho Route. Continue on through the barren landscape for another 30 minutes before stopping for lunch. A hot lunch will be served at the Lava Tower, a 300-foot unique lava formation on the top ridge of the Bastian Valley. In the afternoon you can opt for an additional acclimatization walk up the Western Bridge to the Arrow Glacier Camp, which is located on 4,800m. Go and return will take approx. 3 hrs, as we advise to walk in a slow pace as usual.

Lava Tower (4600m) to Barranco Camp (3950m)

Hike time: 2,5 hours; elevation change: loss 650 m; final elevation: 3950m. 

This is an easy day to help you acclimatize and reap the benefits of climb high sleep low. From Lava Tower it takes around 2 hours to reach Barranco camp, a very easy walk filled with some incredible sightings of alpine topography and giant senecios plants. You will cross Bastian gorge and walk along the streams flowing toward Barranco Valley. The camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Western Route. It is set in a valley among forests of Senecio Kilimanjaro. From the campsite, enjoy magnificent views of the Vertical Wall, the Western Breach, Heim Glacier and Kibo’s southern face.

Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Valley (4,100m)

Hike time: 4-5 hours; elevation change: +150m, final elevation: 4100 m.

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, we have 2 more hours before we make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley, ascend to reach the top ridge where our overnight camp is located. The sceneries are dominated by Moon landscape, Lahars and the Southern ice fields. Hot lunch and Dinner at the camp.

Karanga Valley (4,100m) to Barafu Camp (4,600m)

Hike time: 6 hours; elevation change: +500m; final elevation: 4600m. 

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner as you will awake before midnight for your summit hike.

Barafu Camp (4,600m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hike time: 12 hours; elevation change: +1295m -2795; final elevation: 3100m.

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next 6 hours, hike by the light of your headlamp. The final ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire eight-day trek. The going is steep and slow until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and difficult. The crater rim hike takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat a special-prepared brunch, and take a short break. You still have another 3 hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate and back to Arusha

Hike time: 3-4 hours; elevation change:  -1500

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and drinks at the gate. 

Overnight in Arusha.

Airport transfer for onward travel arrangements or post trek extensions.