DAY 01 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 02 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Health

DAY 03 |Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Health

DAY 04 | Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Distance: 7 km | 4 miles

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

DAY 05 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

DAY 06 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

DAY 07 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Arctic
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

DAY 08 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

• Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
• Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

 

Entry fees:

• Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

• Accommodation at 3 hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note:by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
• All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)

Hiking and safety equipment:

• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits including Diamox.

Climbing crew:

• Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 3+years of successful experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:

• 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Alma Africa Travels is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The climb cost excludes:

• Personal gear rentals;
• Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
• International flights;
• Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
• Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people);
• Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.