Itinerary Highlight
This route is the longest ascent on Kilimanjaro, traversing the mountain and providing almost a complete panoramic view of its grandeur. Due to its extended duration, which allows for better acclimatization, it is regarded as the safest and most successful route, boasting an average summit success rate exceeding 95%.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the upcoming trek. An evening briefing will be held to go over the details of your climb and ensure you are well-prepared.
Accommodation: Mid-range Hotel
Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate and Start of Trekking
After breakfast, you will travel to the Londorossi Gate for registration. Following this, you will be driven to the starting point of your trek at the Lemosho Glades. From here, you will begin your trek through the lush rainforest, enjoying the dense vegetation and the opportunity to spot various bird species. The day’s hike will end at the Mti Mkubwa Camp where you will set up camp, have dinner, and spend the night.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft.
Distance: 6 km/4 miles.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Rain Forest.
Accommodation: Mid-range Hotel
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp
You will continue your trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp. As you ascend, the rainforest gives way to heathland and the landscape starts to open up, providing stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The hike will lead you to Shira One Camp where you will have dinner and rest for the night, acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp
On the fourth day, you will trek from Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp. This portion of the trek takes you across the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. The camp is set up at an elevated location, allowing for better acclimatization and preparation for higher altitudes. After dinner, you will spend the night at Shira Two Camp.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 5 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
After breakfast, you will set off to climb the Lava Tower (4,640m). After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll change your direction to the Moir Hut overnight. For those wanting some extra exercise and acclimatization, several short hikes can be taken in the nearby Lent Hills.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut.
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Accommodatio: Moir Hut Camp
Day 6 : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
We will trek out of Moir Valle with a slightly steep climb, then we will hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Day 7 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
You’ll begin your day by heading up Buffalo Ridge. This is truly wild country, as you’ll feel like the only people on the mountain as you trek through this sparse terrain. Trekking through remote valleys and windswept terrain, you’ll overnight on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath.
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Day 8 : Third Cave to School Hut
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. We will continue walking southwest up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut we will be served an early dinner and then you should get a rest before waking up at midnight to start your summit attempt.
Note: Prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamps, and cameras before going to bed.
Climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. Then continue to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Accommodation: School Hut
Day 9 : School Hut to Uhuru Peak
You will your day early today, at 1 am just after midnight.
Your crew will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead. Hike in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so we advise you to take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there are another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak. Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! Celebrate, take pictures, and make memories.
After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration. After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp overnight.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 10 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, you will need to sign out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. Our vehicles will be waiting for driving you back to the Hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Accommodation: Mid-range Hotel
INCLUSIONS
- Transport in 4×4 Land Cruisers
- Accommodation in budget camps
- Park entry fees
- 3 meals a day
- Bottled mineral water during safari
- Free airport pick up or drop off
EXCLUSIONS
- Tips and gratuities
- Overnights in Arusha
- Personal spending money,
- International flights,
- Visa fees
- Extras not specifically mentioned