Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then start trekking through dense rainforest. Look out for blue monkeys and exotic birds. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6 km | Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Climb out of the forest and enter the moorland zone. The trail opens up to beautiful views of the Shira Ridge and plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km | Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Enjoy an easy day crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of the trek, with views of Kibo Peak. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 7 km | Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)

Hike up to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Moir Hut. This “climb high, sleep low” routine is great for your body’s adjustment to altitude.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Head toward the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, rarely used by other trekkers. The trail offers spectacular views of Kenya’s plains to the north. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 12 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

A gentler trekking day with rolling terrain, continuing eastward along the northern circuit. Enjoy the quiet wilderness atmosphere. Overnight at Third Cave Camp.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km | Habitat: Moorland

Day 7: Third Cave – School Hut (4,800m)

Climb steadily to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for an early midnight start to Uhuru Peak.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 6 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Start your summit push before dawn, reaching Uhuru Peak as the sun rises over Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend through Barafu and down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Hiking time: 12–14 hours | Distance: 21 km | Habitat: Arctic summit zone

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha/Moshi

Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your lodge or hotel.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km