Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)

• Altitude Gain: 650m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: Begin your trek at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities. The trail leads through lush rainforest, teeming with wildlife. Your first campsite, Mti Mkubwa, offers a serene setting among ancient trees.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)

• Altitude Gain: 755m
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Overview: Today’s trek continues through the rainforest before emerging into moorland. You’ll ascend through heathland, enjoying expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. Shira 1 Campsite sits near the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic vistas.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,810m)

• Altitude Gain: 305m
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Overview: As you hike across the Shira Plateau, the landscape transforms into semi-desert. You’ll gain altitude gradually, acclimatizing to the thinner air. Shira 2 Campsite lies beneath the imposing lava tower, a prominent landmark on the route.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,810m) to Barranco Camp (3,995m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

• Altitude Gain: 620m (from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower), then descend to Barranco Camp
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Overview: Today involves a challenging ascent to the Lava Tower, providing valuable acclimatization at higher altitudes. You’ll then descend steeply to Barranco Camp, nestled in a valley beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,995m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Altitude Gain: 40m (net gain after climbing the Barranco Wall)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: Your day begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, offering breathtaking views. The trail then winds through alpine desert, with the imposing peaks of Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Karanga Campsite sits on a rocky ridge, with stunning sunset vistas.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,680m)

• Altitude Gain: 645m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: Today’s trek is relatively short but steep, as you ascend to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Barafu Campsite offers expansive views of the summit and surrounding glaciers.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,680m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Altitude Gain: 1,215m (to Uhuru Peak), then descend to Mweka Camp
• Duration: 11-15 hours (summit ascent), 5-7 hours (descent to Mweka Camp)
• Overview: The summit day begins in the early hours, with a challenging ascent to Stella Point on the crater rim, followed by a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

• Altitude Loss: 1,460m
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Overview: The final descent takes you through lush rainforest, where you’ll spot colorful birdlife and exotic flora. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.