Day 0: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we provide a smooth, pre-arranged transfer to your hotel. Mvuli Hotel Arusha offers a comfortable stay with cozy rooms, hot showers, a refreshing swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi—perfect for recovering from your journey. In the evening, you will attend a detailed pre-climb briefing. Our expert guides will check your gear, discuss safety procedures, and answer any final questions.

• Main Destination: Arusha Town

• Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel Arusha

• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

• Drinks: Drinking water included

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We depart Moshi for a 4-hour drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. We then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. The hike begins in an undisturbed rain forest, winding through lush greenery to our first campsite.

• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

• Habitat: Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rain forest, the trail enters a savannah of tall grasses and volcanic rock draped with lichen. We ascend through rolling hills and cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp, where we catch our first glimpse of Kibo.

• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

• Distance: 8 km | 5 miles

• Habitat: Heath

• Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

We spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. We trek east across moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp before diverting to Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers excellent acclimatization walks on the surrounding hills.

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

• Distance: 11 km | 7 miles

• Habitat: Heath

• Meals: All meals included

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We climb a ridge and head southeast toward the Lava Tower, a massive 300 ft volcanic formation. After lunch at the tower, we descend into the beautiful Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is critical for successful acclimatization.

• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft (Lava Tower) to 13,044 ft (Camp)

• Hiking Time: 7 hours

• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day starts by tackling the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb. From the top, we traverse a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb brings us to Karanga Camp.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. This completes the “Southern Circuit,” offering summit views from various angles. We rest early to prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Distance: 4 km | 2 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

At midnight, we begin the final push. This is the most challenging portion of the trek due to the wind and cold. We reach Stella Point (18,900 ft) for a magnificent sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We then descend to Mweka Camp for our final night on the mountain.

• Elevation (Ascent): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

• Elevation (Descent): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours total

• Distance: 5 km (up) / 12 km (down)

• Habitat: Arctic / Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Our final descent takes us through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. After receiving our summit certificates, a vehicle will meet us to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

• Habitat: Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Interested in This Tour? Contact Mangalo Expeditions  Safaris today!