Itinerary

1. Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

   • After breakfast, you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate at a height of 2,250 m.
   • Complete the necessary registration and drive on a bumpy road to the dense rainforest.
   • Trek through the rainforest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
     • An armed ranger will accompany you for the first two days of your trek, as wild game can be found there. 
   • Spend the night in tents at Big Tree Camp.

   Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

   Distance: 6 km
   Hiking time: 3-4 hours
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
   Habitat: Rainforest

2. Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

   • Continue on the trail out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
   • Ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams.
   • Reach the Shira Ridge and drop down to Shira 1 Camp.
   • Catch the first glimpse of Kibo, one of Mount Kilimanjaro's peaks, across the plateau.
   • Stay overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

   Elevation (ft): 9,498ft to 11,500ft
   Distance: 8 km/5miles
   Hiking time: 5-6 hours
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
   Habitat: Health

3. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower - Moir Hut

   • Trek east through the "Garden of the Senecios" and enter the high alpine desert zone.
   • Ascend to Lava Tower and have lunch at the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600m.
   • Join the northern circuit and head to Moir Camp (4,161 m).
     • This is an important day in your trek as you will experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for acclimatization.

   Elevation: 3504m/11296ft to 4161m/1365ft
   Distance: 9.8 km/6.1 miles
   Hiking time: 5-7hours
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
   Habitat: Alpine zone

4. Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

   • Climb out of the Moir Valley and reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375 m).
   • Return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail.
   • Pass through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on and reach Buffalo Camp (4,020 m). 
     • The camp has a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north.

   Elevation: 13,580ft to 13,200ft
   Distance: 12 km/7 miles
   Hiking time: 5-7 hours
   Habitat: Alpine desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Accommodation: Buffalo Camp

5. Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

   • Climb the "Buffalo Ridge" from Buffalo Camp and cross numerous ridges and gullies.
   • Continue eastwards through a landscape with sparse vegetation.
   • Reach Third Cave Camp (3,800m).

   Elevation: 13,200ft to 12,700ft
   Distance: 8 km/5 miles
   Hiking time: 5-7 hours
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
   Habitat: Heath

6. Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

   • Trek over the "saddle," a lava flow connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
     • This piece of rock was formed when Mount Kilimanjaro erupted. 
     • It has now solidified and connects two of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three peaks.
   • Arrive at School Hut (4,673m) in approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
   • Rest and prepare for the summit push, which starts early, around 11 p.m.

   Elevation: 12,700ft to 15,600ft
   Distance: 5km/3miles
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Habitat: Alpine desert
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

7. Day 7: School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

   •  Begin the push to the summit in the early morning (around midnight).
     • This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
     • The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
   • Ascend in darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks.
   • Reach Gilman's Point (18,600ft) and witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
   • Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
   • Descend to Kibo and stop for and rest.
   • Continue to the Horombo Hut encampment for a well-earned sleep.
     • You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Back to Moshi

   • After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
   • Have a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew.
   • Descend for 2 to 3 hours and meet your driver at Mweka Gate.
   • Return to your accommodation for a warm shower and free time to relax or celebrate your achievement.
   • Remember to tip your guides and porters.

   Altitude: 3,080m to 1,630m
   Distance covered: 9.3km down
   Time to be used: 2-3 hrs
   Meals: Breakfast & lunch
   Habitat: Rainforest