Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

• Altitude Gain: +1,400m
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Overview: The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and meet your guide and porters. From there, you’ll drive to the trailhead. The first day involves a relatively gentle hike through rainforest and heathland, with occasional glimpses of Kilimanjaro. You’ll ascend to Shira 1 Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau, where you’ll spend your first night.

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

• Altitude Gain: +350m
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Overview: Today’s trek continues across the expansive Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail gradually ascends towards Shira 2 Camp, passing through moorland characterized by sparse vegetation and unique geological features. This shorter day allows for acclimatization.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) and descent to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

• Altitude Gain: +780m (to Lava Tower), -680m (to Barranco Camp)
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Overview: Today’s hike presents the first significant altitude gain as you ascend towards Lava Tower, a striking rock formation. This part of the trail offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, as you’ll reach a high point before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent to Barranco Camp involves navigating the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating section of the route.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

• Altitude Gain: +45m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: After breakfast, you’ll tackle the steep Barranco Wall, a highlight of the climb. The trail then traverses scenic ridges and valleys, offering stunning views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. Karanga Camp, nestled beneath the southern icefields of Kilimanjaro, serves as a strategic resting point before the final ascent.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

• Altitude Gain: +678m
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Overview: Today’s trek involves a relatively short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, the high camp for summit attempts. The trail traverses alpine desert terrain, with sparse vegetation and rugged landscapes. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have ample time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Altitude Gain: +1,222m (to Uhuru Peak), -2,795m (to Mweka Camp)
• Duration: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 5-6 hours to Mweka Camp
• Overview: The summit day begins in the early hours of the morning, typically around midnight, to allow for a sunrise ascent. You’ll embark on the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. The ascent is challenging, both physically and mentally, but the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit is unparalleled. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

• Altitude Loss: -1,460m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: The final day involves a descent through lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll complete park formalities, receive your summit certificates, and bid farewell to your guides and porters. From Mweka Gate, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.