Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro airport (JRO), your driver will transfer you about one hour to Moshi for your overnight stay. Located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi serves as the primary gateway for climbers tackling Africa's highest peak. Smaller and more relaxed than nearby Arusha, it's the perfect place to meet your guides, prepare your gear, and begin your expedition.
After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done early the next morning.
Settle in before our Welcome Dinner of fantastic traditional cuisine and cultural education. In the evening, rest up for our first climbing day tomorrow!
Note: Some travelers like to acclimate before the climb, either with an extra night in Moshi or a pre-trek safari. You can see options in the add-on section when you book and we’re always happy to customize.
We strongly recommend arriving in Tanzania at least one full day before beginning your Kilimanjaro climb. While this day is not part of the official climbing itinerary, it is an important part of your overall experience. After a long international journey, especially from the United States, your body needs time to recover from travel, adjust to the time change, hydrate, rest, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Taking an extra day to acclimate to your new surroundings, attend your pre-climb briefing, complete a gear check, and get a good night's sleep will ensure you begin your trek feeling rested, refreshed, and ready for the challenge.
Meals: D
After breakfast at your hotel you will be picked up from your Moshi hotel for the drive to Londrossi Gate. This small village is where you’ll begin your trek. Colobus monkeys are common along the beginning of your trail through the rainforest. Your first camp Mti Mkubwa is on the edge of the forest, so there could be wildlife sightings here as well.
Enjoy your first dinner on the mountain before settling into your tent for the evening.
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 2,650m / 8,694ft
Elevation gain: 820 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Today should be a beautiful day as you trek out of the forest and up to the dramatic Shira Ridge. Enjoy the expansive scenery as you walk through the moorland heather through the valley and across several streams to Shira 2 Camp.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,810m / 12,500ft)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 7 to 8 hours, 16 km, of elevation gain
After dinner, relax and enjoy your first night above the clouds.
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 3,810m / 12,500ft
Elevation Gain: 1200m
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
As you trek out of the Shira Plateau you’ll begin experiencing even higher altitudes. Tonight, you’ll be using the hike high and sleep low strategy to get acclimatized to the elevation. You’ll also have a chance to see the Lava Tower, which is a “shark tooth” shaped rock outcropping on your route.
Spend the afternoon exploring the area or simply relaxing before tomorrow's higher ascent.
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 3,900m / 12,795ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6hours
Habitat: Moorland
It’s you against the wall today as you challenge yourself to climb over the infamous Barranco Wall. It’s a very steep climb to the top, but you’ll enjoy the view! As you descend into the Karanga Valley, prepare for one more steep hike up to Karanga Camp before you can rest for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,995m / 13,160ft)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 5 km, 95m of elevation gain
Enjoy dinner beneath the towering Barranco Wall.
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 3,995m / 13,160ft
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation gain: 95 m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Low-High Alpine
By the end of this morning, you’ll have completed the South Circuit route. This means you’ve been able to see views of the summit from nearly all the angles. When you arrive at camp there will be an early dinner so that you can squeeze in as many hours of sleep as you can before your midnight wake-up call.
Overnight Location: Camping in Mount Kilimanjaro (4,673m / 15,331ft)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 4 km, 650m of elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 4,673m / 15,331ft
Elevation gain: 650m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Desert
Sometime after midnight, you’ll begin your push to the summit! The trail that leads you past Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers and up to Stella Point is steep with a heavy screen that makes the footing difficult, so take your time. Your challenging morning will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise while you rest at Stella Point. From here, it’s about an hour up the snowy track to the top of Uhuru Peak. Celebrate at the summit for a few moments as you take in the sights from Africa’s highest point! There is still a long day ahead on the trail as you begin your descent down to Mweka Camp, which is at a much more comfortable elevation.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3100m / 10,170ft)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 10 to 13 hours, 16 km,
Meals: B, L, D
Peak Elevation: 19,341 feet
Elevation: 1195m of ascent and 2795m of descent
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 10–13 hours
Habitat: Arctic
After breakfast, we'll make our final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where you'll receive your summit certificate. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-earned shower, comfortable bed, and celebration of your incredible achievement.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax, explore town, or prepare for your onward travels or safari adventure.
Meals: B, L
End Elevation: 5,400 feet
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
that empowers women via education & entrepreneurship. From there we’ll continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Plan to depart after 5 p.m.
Many travelers like to add-on a three-day safari or a relaxing getaway to Zanzibar after their trek. For those that have a bit more time, you can also consider one of our customized add-ons including a longer safari in either Tanzania or Kenya, a Mount Meru Climb, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and or Uganda or other beach holidays like Pemba or the Seychelles.
Meals: B