DAY 1 – ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, a Summits Africa driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your lodge. After settling in and resting from your journey, you will meet your guide and the Summits Africa Climbs Manager for a comprehensive briefing covering the trek, safety procedures, and expectations on the mountain. A full equipment check will also be conducted to ensure you are fully prepared.

DAY 2 – LEMOSHO FOREST

Start: 6,890 ft / 2,100 m
End: 8,695 ft / 2,650 m
Distance: 4 miles / 7 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, you drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. Following registration at the gate and final packing by the crew, you continue by vehicle to the Lemosho Trailhead. Today’s hike winds through lush rainforest, with steep sections in places. A picnic lunch is taken on the trail before reaching Forest Camp, where you spend your first night on the mountain.

DAY 3 – SHIRA 1 CAMP

Start: 8,695 ft / 2,650 m
End: 11,844 ft / 3,610 m
Distance: 4 miles / 7 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Climate Zone: Heath

Ascending from the forest, you pass through Podocarpus and juniper woodland before emerging onto the open heathland of the Shira Plateau. Lunch is served at Shira 1 Camp, followed by a relaxed afternoon for rest and acclimatisation.

DAY 4 – MOIR CAMP

Start: 11,844 ft / 3,610 m
End: 13,780 ft / 4,200 m
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Crossing the vast Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic sections of the trek. After approximately 4–5 hours of hiking, you arrive at Moir Camp for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatisation, with an optional hike to a nearby viewpoint recommended for those feeling energetic.

DAY 5 – BARRANCO CAMP

Start: 13,780 ft / 4,200 m
End: 12,796 ft / 3,900 m
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Time: 7–9 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Today you traverse the slopes of Kibo, where the harsh conditions allow little vegetation to survive. This is a classic “walk high, sleep low” acclimatisation day. You ascend to Lava Tower (15,092 ft / 4,600 m) for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. Although long, this day plays a crucial role in improving summit success.

DAY 6 – KARANGA CAMP

Start: 12,796 ft / 3,900 m
End: 13,108 ft / 3,995 m
Distance: 3 miles / 5 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

From Barranco Camp, known for its giant groundsel plants, you climb the iconic Barranco Wall before traversing glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Lunch is taken on arrival. The afternoon is spent resting and acclimatising, followed by a short summit-gear practice walk in the evening.

DAY 7 – UPPER BARAFU CAMP

Start: 13,108 ft / 3,995 m
End: 15,910 ft / 4,850 m
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

A half-day trek brings you to Upper Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Lunch is served on arrival, allowing ample time to rest. The landscape here is stark and winds can be strong, but clear evenings often provide stunning views of Mawenzi. An early dinner is followed by rest in preparation for summit night.

DAY 8 – SUMMIT DAY / MILLENNIUM CAMP

Start: 15,910 ft / 4,850 m
End: 12,630 ft / 3,850 m
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
Time: 14–16 hours
Climate Zones: Alpine Desert, Arctic, Heath

You begin the summit attempt shortly before midnight. With patience and steady pacing, you ascend to Stella Point (18,865 ft / 5,750 m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) at sunrise—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you descend back to base camp for a brief rest and refreshment before continuing down to Millennium Camp. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the long descent.

DAY 9 – RETURN TO ARUSHA

Start: 12,630 ft / 3,850 m
End: 5,381 ft / 1,640 m
Distance: 9 miles / 15 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to the park gate. Here you bid farewell to your mountain crew before being transferred back to your lodge in Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower and a well-earned rest. In the evening, a Summits Africa representative will visit to congratulate you and assist with any onward travel arrangements.

DAY 10 – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, your driver will collect you at the agreed time and transfer you to the airport for your return flight or onward journey.