Detailed 9-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Meet your Superior Kilimanjaro And Safaris representative and transfer to your hotel in Arusha city.
In the evening, you will receive a full trek briefing and equipment check. Missing gear can be rented locally.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Day 1: Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead.
The trek begins through lush rainforest rich in wildlife and birdlife.
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,650m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
The trail gradually climbs out of the forest into heath and moorland.
Stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau emerge.
Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
A gentle walk across the expansive Shira Plateau with views of Kibo Peak.
Optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon.
Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp (Northern Circuit Begins)
You leave the main routes and join the Northern Circuit.
The trail crosses lava ridges with fewer trekkers and vast open landscapes.
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,200m
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Moir Camp
Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp
A scenic traverse around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes with incredible views into Kenya.
Excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 4,200m → 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave
Continue eastward across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
The terrain is wide, open, and remote.
Elevation: 4,020m → 3,800m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Rongai Third Cave
Day 7: Rongai Third Cave – School Hut
A short but important day allowing rest before summit night.
Early dinner and sleep in preparation for the final ascent.
Elevation: 3,800m → 4,800m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: School Hut
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
Summit Day!
Start around midnight for the climb to Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
After photos at the summit, descend via Stella Point to Millennium Camp.
Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 3,950m
Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Ice-capped summit & alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Millennium Camp
Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate.
Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3,950m → 1,680m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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