Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From there, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After crossing several streams, continue over the Shira Ridge past Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. The direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, reach the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Continue down to Barranco Camp. Although the day ends at a similar elevation as it began, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Continue up to Barafu Camp. Completing the South Circuit offers views of the summit from various angles. Make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, take a short rest and enjoy a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will likely be sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

An African Trek & Travel vehicle will be waiting at Mweka gate to drive back to the hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

• Cooker and porters
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Live Guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Simplified Chinese
• Oxygen Bottle

• Tipping
• Visa
• Flight
• Laundry