Day 1: Londorossi Gate –  Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)

Start: 2,360 m | End: 2,895 m | Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Montane Forest

Your adventure begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before entering Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest. The air is fresh and alive with birdsong, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot colobus monkeys swinging in the treetops. The trail is often damp and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are handy. As you climb steadily, the forest canopy wraps you in green, until you reach Mti Mkubwa “Big Tree Camp” where your tents and a warm meal await.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Shira 1 Camp

Start: 2,895 m | End: 3,505 m | Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Heath / Moorland

Today the forest thins out, and the scenery shifts dramatically to heathland. Giant heathers and volcanic boulders line your path, with Mount Kibo’s snow-capped peak beginning to dominate the horizon. It’s a steady climb onto the Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape that feels like another world. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp with wide-open skies above perfect for stargazing.

Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

Start: 3,505 m | End: 3,810 m | Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Moorland

Crossing the Shira Plateau feels like walking across the roof of Africa. The ground is open, rocky, and dotted with wildflowers depending on the season. The hike is not too steep, giving your body a good chance to acclimatise. By the time you reach Shira 2 Camp, you’ll have magnificent views of both Kibo and the rugged peaks of Shira Ridge.

Day 4: Shira 2 – Moir Hut

Start: 3,810 m | End: 4,200 m | Distance: 14 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

A longer trekking day that takes you deeper into Kilimanjaro’s wilderness. The trail passes close to Lava Tower (4,600 m), an impressive volcanic formation, before descending slightly into a quiet valley at Moir Hut. This camp is remote and less visited, offering silence under the stars. It’s an excellent day for acclimatisation, giving you a real sense of the mountain’s vastness.

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

Start: 4,200 m | End: 4,020 m | Distance: 12 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

The morning begins with a steep climb out of Moir Valley, with the option to detour to the Lent Hills for sweeping views. The trail then contours across Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes – a side rarely seen by most climbers. Wild and untouched, it feels like you have the mountain all to yourself. You’ll camp at Buffalo (Pofu) Camp, named after the buffalo that sometimes roam these high valleys.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Start: 4,020 m | End: 3,900 m | Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

A quieter day with rolling trails across ridges and valleys. The pace is steady, allowing you to rest and adjust to the altitude. The open landscapes are vast and peaceful, and as night falls at Third Cave Camp, the stars shine brighter than ever.

Day 7: Third Cave | School Hut Camp

Start: 3,900 m | End: 4,750 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

The climb becomes steeper today as you approach the School Hut, your final base before the summit attempt. The air grows thinner, and the anticipation builds. After an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight push to the Roof of Africa.

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Start: 4,750 m | Summit: 5,895 m | End: 3,100 m | Distance: 16 km | Time: 12–14 hrs
Zone: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Montane Forest

Summit day begins in the still darkness around midnight. Step by step, your headlamp lights the trail of scree and snow. After 5–6 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point as dawn paints the sky. A final push brings you to Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m – the highest point in Africa. Emotions run high as you take in the glaciers, the vast horizon, and the knowledge that you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro. After photos and celebrations, you’ll descend back via Barafu and down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi/Arusha

Start: 3,100 m | End: 1,640 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Montane Forest

Your final descent winds through the rainforest, lush with birds and wildflowers. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and collect your climbing certificate – a proud token of your achievement. From here, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for hot showers, relaxation, and celebration.