Tour Plan:
Arrival and Preparation Day:
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. Our driver will wait for you, no matter how long it takes for you to clear customs. Once you have checked in to your hotel, we will conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear. If anything is missing, rentals can be arranged.
Your guide from Baest Royal Adventures will then meet with you to conduct a thorough pre-climb briefing, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. For those arriving at night, these activities can be scheduled for the following morning.
Overnight Accommodations: Hotel in Moshi
Transportation Duration: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
Meals: None
Day 1: Londerossi Gate to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
After having breakfast at your hotel, Baest Royal Adventures will pick you up for the drive to Londrossi Gate, the starting point of your trek. During your trek, you may encounter Columbus monkeys in the rainforest, and larger wildlife residents such as buffalo or elephants, which may require an armed ranger to accompany you. Your first camp, Mti Mkubwa, is located on the edge of the forest, where you may have a chance to spot some wildlife.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,650m / 8,694’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 2 to 3 hours, 6 km, 820m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, you will begin your trek through the rainforest towards the giant heather moorland zone. Along the way, you will have a chance to see the unique plants and wildlife of the area, including colobus monkeys, various bird species, and other small animals. As you continue, the landscape changes and you will be treated to stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains. Your camp for the night will be at Shira 1 Camp.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,505m / 11,500’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 8 km, 855m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Rest day at Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, you’ll start trekking towards Shira 2 Camp. The trail will take you across the vast plateau, with stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings. Today is a rest day, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the camp. You can explore the area or take a leisurely walk to further acclimate to the altitude. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take care of your body as you prepare for the upcoming ascent.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,810m / 12,500’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 8 km, 310m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Visit the Lava Tower and trek to Barranco Camp
After breakfast at your campsite, you will begin your trek out of the valley and up to the Lava Tower. This volcanic rock outcropping is shaped like a shark’s tooth, and you have the choice to scramble up it if you’d like. The trail to the Lava Tower is steep and rocky, so it’s important to take your time and go at your own pace.
Once you reach the Lava Tower, take some time to rest and admire the views from this unique geological formation. At this point, you’ll have climbed to a higher altitude, which will help you acclimatize to the altitude before descending again to camp for the night at Barranco Camp.
The trail down to Barranco Camp will take you through the beautiful alpine desert, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass several streams and small waterfalls, as well as unique plant life adapted to the harsh mountain climate.
Once you reach Barranco Camp, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a hot meal as you take in the spectacular views of the towering Barranco Wall. This challenging day of trekking will prepare you for the days ahead as you continue your ascent to the summit.
Overnight Location: Camping in Mount Kilimanjaro (3,900m / 12,795’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 8 km, 90m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Conquer the Barranco Wall and hike to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you will embark on one of the most thrilling and challenging parts of the trek – the Barranco Wall. The wall is a steep and rocky climb, but with the help of your guides, you will conquer it and enjoy stunning views of the Karanga Valley from the top.
Once you’ve descended the wall, you will hike across the valley to Karanga Camp. The trail will take you through rocky terrain and up and down some small hills. The camp is situated on a rocky ridge, and you’ll be able to catch breathtaking views of the southern glaciers and the summit of Kibo from here.
Take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by the camp’s chefs.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,995m / 13,160’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 5 km, 95m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Preparation Day at Barafu Camp
Today will be a shorter trek as you continue through the alpine desert. The South Circuit of the peak will be completed, and you will have seen it from many different angles. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Barafu Camp for an early dinner. This is where you will rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt early in the morning. It is essential to get a good night’s rest, as tomorrow will be a long and challenging day. You will need to pack your backpack with warm clothing, snacks, water, and other essentials for the summit attempt. The guides will conduct a final briefing and equipment check to ensure everyone is ready. Get to bed early and try to get some rest to prepare for the summit day ahead.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,673m / 15,331’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 4 km, 650m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Midnight hike and reach the top of Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for, the day you’ll attempt to reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak. You’ll start your trek around midnight under a starry sky, equipped with headlamps and warm clothing to tackle the challenging ascent ahead. The trek begins with heavy scree and a steep climb until you reach the point between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. From there, you’ll continue to climb towards Stella Point, where you’ll take a break to witness the sunrise over the magnificent landscape below. Afterward, you’ll make the final push towards the summit through snow and ice to reach Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the top! The views from here will be awe-inspiring, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that only comes from reaching the summit of one of the world’s highest peaks. Take some time to celebrate your success and snap some photos before beginning your descent.
The descent will take you back through the alpine desert, past Barafu Camp and down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night. The descent can be just as challenging as the ascent, so be sure to take care and move at a comfortable pace.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,100m / 10,170’)
Trekking Duration and Distance: 10 to 13 hours, 16 km, 1,195m of ascent and 2,795m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Note: This trek is challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization. It’s essential to follow the guidance of your guides and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the trek.
Day 8: Hike to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi
After breakfast at camp, you’ll begin your descent through the lush rainforest. You’ll notice how the environment changes as you drop in altitude, and the temperature and humidity begin to rise. You’ll have the chance to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits this area, such as blue monkeys and colorful birds.
As you reach Mweka Gate, your guide will complete the necessary paperwork, and you’ll have the opportunity to tip your team for their hard work and dedication throughout the trek. From there, a driver from Baest Royal Adventures will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Once you arrive at the hotel, you can take a refreshing shower and relax for the rest of the day. You may want to explore the town of Moshi, do some souvenir shopping, or simply rest and reflect on your incredible achievement.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi
Trekking Duration and Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 10 km, 1410m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Departure Day
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight. If you have booked a safari, we typically leave just after breakfast to start your next adventure.
Please note that checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.
Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
Meals: Breakfast
End of Climb.
The Trekking Price Includes:
- Accommodation in Moshi one night before and one night after the trek (B&B plan) check out time is 10:00 hrs (late check out charge is $65).
- Return Airport Transfers -To and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Private toilet tent(s) — 1 tent for every 7 climbers (not used on Marangu Route).
- All government fees and Taxes for the National park.
- All meals and water while on the mountain.
- All salaries for guides, assistant guides, chef, porters.
- Return Transport to and from the park gate.
- Oxygen for altitude sickness emergencies.
- All camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, dining tent, mattress… everything but your sleeping bag.)
The Trekking Price does not Include:
- Sleeping bag – please bring your own or rent one from our equipment rental shop.
- Clothing & equipment listed on the climb packing list.
- International flights & Visas.
- Travel Insurance (we require all clients to have medical and evacuation coverage).
- Mountain climb staff tips.
- Meals not in hotel plan or climb package.
- Drinks and dining rooms tips.
- Personal travel and baggage.
- Telephone bill.
- Laundry bills.
- Any items of a personal nature.
