Day 1: Transfer from Moshi - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

You will be picked up from Moshi and transferred to the start of your Kilimanjaro hike, stopping at Machame village where your guides and porters will prepare and pack your supplies and equipment in preparation for the hike. On beginning your ascent, you will almost immediately be enveloped in rainforest. The trail can sometimes get quite muddy and slippery. We’ll carry on until we reach Machame camp.

Approximate distance & altitude: 11km (estimated 7 hours hiking) 1640m to 2850m

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

An early start today sees us leave Machame camp and climb out of the forest and then

continue at a gentler gradient through the moorland terrain. After lunch we’ll climb along a

rocky ridge to the Shira plateau. Looking towards the Western Breach you’ll be able to catch

your first glimpse of spectacular glaciers and tonight we’ll stay in Shira camp, an exposed

campsite surrounded by stark, dramatic topography.

Approximate distance & altitude: 5km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 2850m to 3810m

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

From moorland, we move into a desert-like, rocky landscape, towards Lava Tower, approaching the tower up a rocky scree path. At 4630m, it is at this stage that many climbers start to feel some of the symptoms of being at altitude and may feel breathless. After lunch there is a descent into Barranco camp which offers stunning views of Western Breach and Breach Wall along the way.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 7 hours hiking) 3810m to 3976m

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Today we tackle the imposing Great Barranco Wall and our reward at the top is views of the stunning Heim Glacier. The route then follows the Karanga Valley along intersecting ridges until turning left and reaching Barafu camp. It’s from here that we will make our final ascent to the summit, starting the same night.

Approximate distance & altitude: 9km (estimated 9 hours hiking) 3976m to 4673m

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit and on to Mweka Camp

You’ll arise just before midnight, have a quick snack and begin hiking through the early hours of the morning for the last big push to the summit. The hike starts ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Here you can have a break and if you’re lucky with the weather, see one of the best sunrises you’re ever likely to experience. From there it’s about another two hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit we walk back down to Barafu camp and from there on to Mweka camp. The trek back down will take you back through scree, moorland and forest mirroring the last four days.

Approximate distance & altitude: 17km (estimated 8 hours to summit, 6 hours to Mweka) 4673m - 5895m – 3068m

Day 6: Descend to Mweka Gate. Return to Moshi

On the last day you’ll trek back down to the Mweka Gate and National Park headquarters to sign the register and receive a summit certificate. We’ll then transfer back to Moshi where services end.

Due to the pooled service on this tour accommodation may be shared on single bookings.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 3 hours hiking) 3068m to 1640m

Day 1:Transfer from Moshi - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

You will be picked up from Moshi and transferred to the start of your Kilimanjaro hike, stopping at Machame village where your guides and porters will prepare and pack your supplies and equipment in preparation for the hike. On beginning your ascent, you will almost immediately be enveloped in rainforest. The trail can sometimes get quite muddy and slippery. We’ll carry on until we reach Machame camp.

Approximate distance & altitude: 11km (estimated 7 hours hiking) 1640m to 2850m

Day 2:  Machame Camp to Shira Camp

An early start today sees us leave Machame camp and climb out of the forest and then continue at a gentler gradient through the moorland terrain. After lunch we’ll climb along a rocky ridge to the Shira plateau. Looking towards the Western Breach you’ll be able to catch your first glimpse of spectacular glaciers and tonight we’ll stay in Shira camp, an exposed campsite surrounded by stark, dramatic topography.

Approximate distance & altitude: 5km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 2850m to 3810m

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

From moorland, we move into a desert-like, rocky landscape, towards Lava Tower, approaching the tower up a rocky scree path. At 4630m, it is at this stage that many climbers start to feel some of the symptoms of being at altitude and may feel breathless. After lunch there is a descent into Barranco camp which offers stunning views of Western Breach and Breach Wall along the way.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 7 hours hiking) 3810m to 3976m

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today we tackle the imposing Great Barranco Wall and our reward at the top is views of the stunning Heim Glacier. The route then follows the Karanga Valley to the campsite. This is a short day intended to help you acclimatise and have a better chance of reaching the summit.

Approximate distance & altitude: 5km (estimated 5 hours hiking) 3976m to 3995m

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

This is another short hiking day, preparing you for summit day tomorrow. You’ll hike in the morning to Barafu camp getting into camp late-morning/midday. You have the rest of the day to prepare your summit gear and get plenty of rest – you’re going to need it! If you wish, you can do another short acclimatisation hike in the afternoon.

Approximate distance & altitude: 4km (estimated 4 hours hiking) 3995m to 4673m

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit and on to Mweka Camp
You’ll arise just before midnight, have a quick snack and begin hiking through the early hours of the morning for the last big push to the summit. The hike starts ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Here you can have a break and if you’re lucky with the weather, see one of the best sunrises you’re ever likely to experience. From there it’s about another two hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit we walk back down to Barafu camp and from there on to Mweka camp. The trek back down will take you back through scree, moorland and forest mirroring the last four days.

Approximate distance & altitude: 17km (estimated 8 hours to summit, 6 hours to Mweka) 4673m - 5895m – 3068m

Day 7: Descend to Mweka Gate. Return to Moshi
On the last day you’ll trek back down to the Mweka Gate and National Park headquarters to sign the register and receive a summit certificate. We’ll then transfer back to Moshi where services end.

Due to the pooled service on this tour accommodation may be shared on single bookings.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 3 hours hiking) 3068m to 1640m

Day 1  Transfer from Moshi - Marangu Gate -Mandara Hut

Pick up from Moshi after breakfast and transfer to Marangu to start your Kilimanjaro climb. Pass through the village of Marangu located on the lower slopes of the mountain before arriving at the park gate where we prepare for the climb ahead. Your first afternoon hiking is through forest and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for Colobus Monkeys before arriving at Mandara Hut, a charming group of A-frame huts in a forest clearing.
Approximate distance & altitude: 8km (estimated 5 hours hiking) 1980m to 2700m
Dinner & overnight in the huts

Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut The trek today quickly clears the forest canopy as we skirt the base of the Maundi Crater. The terrain changes from rainforest to moorland and if you have the energy you can take a short detour up to the rim of Maundi Crater for your first glimpse of the impressive Kibo Crater – the highest of the three volcanic cones that make Kilimanjaro. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, you can see the glaciers on the crater glisten in the distance. On the moorland you can appreciate Kilimanjaro’s unique flora, including the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m high.

Approximate distance & altitude: 12km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 2700m to 3720m

Dinner & overnight in the huts

Day 3: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
After breakfast continue the ascent through the scenery morphs into alpine desert. We trek to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, filling our water bottles at the last watering point on the way. Kibo Hut is nestled in barren alpine desert, making this a stark and dramatic landscape. At the hut we will prepare for the last push to the summit which we will begin in the evening.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 3720m to 4700m
Dinner & overnight in the huts 

Day 4:  Kibo Hut - summit and back - Horombo Hut

This is the D-day to the summit and the toughest day of the climb. You’ll arise just before midnight, have a quick snack and begin hiking through the early hours of the morning. The route zigzags up to Gillman’s point which is located on the crater rim. This section is the most demanding section of the entire route and requires great physical and mental stamina but the view at the top is worth the effort. From here you may encounter snow as you make your way up to Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. After this exhilarating summit, you’ll start your descent back towards Kibo Hut and onwards to Horombo Hut. Tonight you’ll enjoy your last farewell dinner up mountain with your fellow walkers with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office and celebrate a fantastic achievement.

Approximate distance & altitude: 22km (estimated 8 hours to summit, 6 hours to Horombo) 4700m - 5895m - 3720m
Dinner & overnight in the huts

Day 5: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate- Moshi
In the morning you’ll begin the ascend to Marangu Gate passing Mandara Hut on the way. At the gate you can sign the register and successful climbers will receive a summit certificate. We’ll then transfer back to Moshi where after drop off at your hotel or transfer to the Airport or alternatively join on of a Tanzania wildlife Adventure safaris at an extra cost.

Approximate distance & altitude: 20km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 3720m to 1980m

Day 1: Transfer from Moshi – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
You will be picked up from Moshi and transferred to the start of your Kilimanjaro hike. On the way, we’ll pass through the village of Marangu located on the lower slopes of the mountain before arriving at the park gate where we prepare for the climb ahead. Your first afternoon hiking is through forest and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for Colobus Monkeys before arriving at Mandara Hut, a charming group of A-frame huts in a forest clearing.

Approximate distance & altitude: 8km (estimated 5 hours hiking) 1980m to 2700m

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The trek today quickly clears the forest canopy as we skirt the base of the Maundi Crater. The terrain changes from rainforest to moorland and if you have the energy you can take a short detour up to the rim of Maundi Crater for your first glimpse of the impressive Kibo Crater – the highest of the three volcanic cones that make Kilimanjaro. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, you can see the glaciers on the crater glisten in the distance. On the moorland you can appreciate Kilimanjaro’s unique flora, including the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m high.

Approximate distance & altitude: 12km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 2700m to 3720m

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

This morning as we continue our ascent, the scenery morphs into alpine desert. We trek to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, filling our water bottles at the last watering point on the way. Kibo Hut is nestled in barren alpine desert, making this a stark and dramatic landscape. At the hut we will prepare for the last push to the summit which we will begin in the evening.

Approximate distance & altitude: 10km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 3720m to 4700m

Day 4: Acclimatisation Optional Day

Today is an extra acclimatisation day. This is beneficial to allow your body time to adjust to the change in altitude. Your chance of success is much higher if you take the time to acclimatise. You will take short walks to higher altitudes before returning to the camp for an extra night.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to summit and back to Horombo Hut

This is the last big push to the summit and the toughest day of the climb. You’ll arise just before midnight, have a quick snack and begin hiking through the early hours of the morning. The route zigzags up to Gillman’s point which is located on the crater rim. This section is the most demanding section of the entire route and requires great physical and mental stamina but the view at the top is worth the effort. From here you may encounter snow as you make your way up to Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. After this exhilarating summit, you’ll start your descent back towards Kibo Hut and onwards to Horombo Hut. Tonight you’ll enjoy your last dinner with your fellow walkers with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office and celebrate a fantastic achievement.

Approximate distance & altitude: 22km (estimated 8 hours to summit, 6 hours to Horombo) 4700m - 5895m - 3720m
 

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. Return to Moshi

In the morning you’ll begin your hike back to Marangu Gate passing Mandara Hut on the way. At the gate you can sign the register and successful climbers will receive a summit certificate. We’ll then transfer back to Moshi where services end.

Due to the pooled service on this tour accommodation may be shared on single bookings.

Approximate distance & altitude: 20km (estimated 6 hours hiking) 3720m to 1980m

Starting on the southern side of the Mountain at Umbwe Gate, and is a fairly, steep route. Steep forest paths give way to heath and moorland before becoming rocky and where the trek becomes more demanding. To reach the summit is Via Barafu Hut and Stella Point and descending is through  Mweka Gate.

Day 1: Arusha – Kilimanjaro national Park Gate – Umbwe – Bivouac
Pick up after breakfast and transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Umbwe where the trek starts. Ascend up through the forest a long a narrow ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers to reach Bivouac No. 1 campsite ( 2800m) for dinner and overnight. Taking 4 to 5 hrs walking.

Day 2: Bivouac – Barranco Camp.
Leave Bivouac No. 1 camp the path continues to follow the ridge, passing through Heather and open Moorland. 3 - 4 hrs walking to reach Barranco campsite (3900m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
The path climbs steeply out of Barranco valley, struggle up the Barraco walls, Cross the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu campsite 6 - 7hrs walking. On midnight trek up to the Summit via Stella point.

Day 4: Barafu Camp Full day
Enjoying sunrise at the summit ( Uhuru peak 5896m) Photos, horizontal views, then descend to Barafu Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Barafu Camp - Mweka Camp
After breakfast in Barafu Hut descend to Mweka Campsite (3000m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Mweka Gate – Moshi / Arusha
Descend through the forest after breakfast , 3 - 4 hrs walking to Mweka Gate, where you will drive to Moshi to be dropped at your accommodation to end your trek.

Rongai route starts from the north side of the mountain at Rongai being the only route starting from the North. The conditions are drier and there are spectacular views over the broad flat Maasai lands. Overnights are in camping tents, the summit is reached via Kibo and descends through Marangu route.

Day 1: Arusha – Moshi – Nale Moru – Simba Camp
Depart from either Arusha to Moshi with a transfer to the village of Nale Moru ( Rongai 1950m) where the trekking starts. Taking 4 - 5 hours walking to Simba camp 2600m for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Simba Camp – 3rd Cave
A steady walking up to the second cave 3450m with the superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rims. Continue ascent for 3 to 4 hrs walking to third cave 3800m, for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: 3rd Cave – Kibo Hut
Continue ascending on the East side of Kibo crossing the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, taking 4 - 5hrs to reach Kibo Hut ( 4700m).On mid-night trek up to the summit via Gilman's point 5695m

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Horombo Hut
Enjoying sunrise at the summit, horizontal views, Photos, then descend to Kibo Hut for brief rest, coffee or tea. Continue descend to Horombo Hut ( 3700m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 5:Horombo Hut – Mandara Hut – Marangu Gate
Descend about 5 hrs passing through Mandara Hut to the National Park Gate at Marangu (1830m) where you will drive back to Moshi or Arusha after dropping you back to your accommodation.

Shira route Trekking starts at Londorossi Gate. From the trailhead, the trail heads East across the center of Shira Plateau, where it is often likely to spot big game, such as elephant and buffalo. The route then joins up with the Machame Route at Shira Camp and approaches the summit via Stella Point, descending via Mweka Camp. Overnight are in camping tents.

Day 1:Arusha – Kilimanjaro National Park Gate - Londorossi – Forest Camp
Start from either Arusha or Moshi with a transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi where the climb begins. 4 - 5hrs walking through the lush forest to reach forest campsite (2750m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Forest camp – Shira Camp
Continue through the forest passing Shira Plateau to reach Shira Campsite (800m) for dinner and overnight 5 - 6 hrs walking.

Day 3:Shira Camp – Barranco camp
Walk Eastwards, ascending through the dry landscape, then downwards to Barranco campsite ( 3900m) for dinner and overnight. 5 - 6hrs walking.

Day 4: Barranco – Barafu camp.
The path climbs steeply out of Barranco valley, struggle up the Barraco walls, Cross the Karanga Valley, then turns North to reach Barafu campsite 6 - 7hrs walking. On midnight trek up to the Summit via Stella point.

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp.
Enjoying sunrise at the summit ( Uhuru peak 5895m) Photos, horizontal views, then descend to Barafu Hut for brief rest, coffee or tea. Continue to Mweka campsite (3000m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Mweka – Arusha
Descend through the forest  3 - 4 hrs walking to Mweka Gate, where you will drive to Moshi or Arusha.