Mount Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Day 0 – Depart for Tanzania

Depart country of origin for Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (JRO).

Day 1 – Arrive in Arusha

Arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick-up and transfer to the Four Points The Arusha Hotel (formerly New Arusha Hotel) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Day 2 – Expedition Orientation and Gear Check

Orientation and gear check. We meet over breakfast at the hotel and join a detailed group orientation covering all aspects of the climb. After lunch we have a thorough equipment check, and those interested can join a walking tour (offsite) of Arusha before dinner.

Overnight at Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Day 3 – Kilimanjaro Trailhead to Machame Camp (9,900 ft.)

We travel by Land Cruiser to the Machame trailhead, winding through coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, we meet our porters from the Chagga Tribe, indigenous to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. They are an integral part of our African journey and become friends while providing insight into their culture and society. Our climb begins on the edge of a rain forest (elevation 5,800 ft.). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, we trek seven hours to Machame Camp (10,000 ft.) and set camp for the night.

• Altitudes: Machame Gate: 6,000 ft • Machame Camp: 9,900 ft
• Elevation Change: 3,900 ft ↑
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 4 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp (12,500 ft.)

Leave Machame Camp, cross a small valley, and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moorlands. These moorlands are dotted with giant groundsel, senecios, and lobelia. Halfway up the trail we meet a river gorge and continue across the Shira Plateau (12,300 ft.). We sleep at Shira Camp.

• Altitudes: Machame Camp: 9,900 ft • Shira Camp: 12,500 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,600 ft ↑
• Mileage: 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 5 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (12,900 ft.)

Today we climb to 14,800 ft. while crossing a ridge and viewing the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before descending to our 12,800-ft. campsite at Great Barranco.

• Altitudes: Shira Camp: 12,500 ft • Barranco Camp: 12,900 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,100 ft ↑ / 1,700 ft ↓
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 6–9 hours

Day includes critical acclimatization gain/loss. Lava Tower option: additional 600 ft. of gain/loss.

Day 6 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (13,300 ft.)

We climb up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 14,500 ft. before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,000 ft. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as “The Icicle,” was first climbed in the early 1970s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach 80°F, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

• Altitudes: Barranco Camp: 12,900 ft • Karanga Valley: 13,300 ft
• Elevation Change: 1,300 ft ↑ / 1,000 ft ↓
• Mileage: 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 7 – Karanga Valley Camp to Upper Barafu Camp (15,800 ft.)

From the Karanga River we climb about five to six hours to our High Camp at Upper Barafu (15,600 ft.). As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled terrain, we enter a high desert plateau littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south, we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mawenzi Peak tower before us. At Kosovo, we prepare for the summit attempt, packing gear and resting before our 2 a.m. departure.

• Altitudes: Karanga Valley: 13,300 ft • Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,300 ft ↑
• Mileage: 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 8 – Summit Attempt

Summit day! Awake at 11 p.m. for a light meal and midnight departure. We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge, we approach the crater rim, then traverse northwest to Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft.). From the summit we enjoy views of the Bismarck Towers, crater floor, Furtwängler Glacier, the ash pit, and the northern ice cap. We descend to High Camp for a short rest and lunch before continuing down to Millennium Camp (12,250 ft.).

Summit day average times: Kosovo–Summit: 7–8 hours. Summit–Kosovo: 2–3 hours. Kosovo–Millennium: 2.5–3 hours.

• Altitudes: Upper Barafu Camp → Summit: 19,344 ft
• Elevation Change: 3,544 ft ↑
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 9–11 hours round trip to Upper Barafu Camp
• Altitudes: Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft • Millennium Camp: 12,250 ft
• Mileage: 3.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 2.5–3 hours

Day 9 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Hotel

The sunrise is exquisite as we awaken at 5 a.m. below the towering mountain. We depart by 7 a.m., descending through the lush green landscape of the Mweka Route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 20-ft. fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. After reaching Mweka Gate, we celebrate with our crew, enjoy a hot buffet lunch, and return to Arusha for showers and a celebratory dinner. A 30-minute safari briefing is held before dinner.

Overnight at Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

• Altitudes: Millennium Camp: 12,250 ft • Mweka Gate: 5,580 ft
• Elevation Change: 6,670 ft ↓
• Mileage: 8.4 mi
• Hiking Time: 5 hours

Day 10 – Safari Day 1

Safari itinerary subject to change. Based on team size and availability, travel order of safari parks may be reversed. Alpine Ascents also offers private luxury safaris through our US-based partner African Safari Company.

Begin the safari in Tarangire National Park. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland dotted with acacia and baobab trees and is known for its abundance of large mammals. After a leisurely game drive, we arrive at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, hidden among kopjes, ancient baobabs, and grasslands in the heart of the park, home to Africa’s greatest concentration of elephants.

Day 11 – Safari Day 2

After breakfast we travel over the Great Rift Valley into the highlands above Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the afternoon exploring one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, encountering zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant, hippo, lions, and often cheetah. We overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, perched on the crater rim with sweeping panoramic views.

Day 12 – Safari Day 3

After breakfast we travel around the Ngorongoro Crater rim and descend into the savanna of Serengeti National Park. We enjoy a game drive through the Southern Serengeti before arriving at Serengeti Sopa Lodge, beautifully situated on the escarpment overlooking the plains.

Day 13 – Depart Arusha – Optional Balloon Ride over the Serengeti

There is an optional sunrise balloon ride before a final morning game drive en route to Seronera. We then fly back to Arusha (weather permitting) for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel before preparing for late-night international departures.

Day 0 – Depart for Tanzania

Depart country of origin for Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (JRO).

Day 1 – Arrive in Arusha

Arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick up and transfer to Four Points The Arusha Hotel (formerly New Arusha Hotel) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Day 2 – Expedition Orientation and Gear Check

Orientation and gear check. We meet over breakfast at the hotel and join a detailed group orientation covering all aspects of the climb. After lunch we have a thorough equipment check and those interested can join a walking tour (offsite) of Arusha, before a team dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Day 3 – Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp (9,200 ft.)

Drive to Londorossi Gate, approximately 3 hours. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi Gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho trail head. Here we will meet our local Tanzanian staff, most of whom are Chagga tribe from the area around Kilimanjaro. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkumbwa.

• Altitudes: Lemosho Trailhead: 6,890 ft; Big Tree Camp: 9,200 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,440 ft ↑
• Mileage: 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 4 – Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp (11,500 ft.)

Big Tree/Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp. We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. This is perhaps the most unique of the different ecological zones on Kilimanjaro. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in. We camp in the center of the large Shira Volcanic Plateau at Shira I.

• Altitudes: Big Tree Camp: 9,200 ft; Shira I Camp: 11,500 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,300 ft ↑
• Mileage: 5.6 mi
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Day 5 – Shira Camp to Moir Camp (13,500 ft.)

Moir Camp is tucked away at the end of a large gorge, below a giant lava flow. We travel through the upper range of the moorlands zone, crossing the large Shira Plateau, and ascend gradually on easy terrain. Here we are on the northwest side of the mountain, above Kenya. This spectacular camp is located beneath the northern ice fields of Kilimanjaro.

• Altitudes: Shira I Camp: 11,500 ft; Moir Camp: 13,500 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,000 ft ↑
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Day 6 – Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (12,900 ft.)

Today we climb to 15,100 ft. at Lava Tower while crossing a ridge and viewing the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before dropping to our 12,900-ft. campsite at Great Barranco.

• Altitudes: Moir Camp: 13,500 ft; Barranco Camp: 12,900 ft
• Elevation Change: 1,600 ft ↑ / 1,700 ft ↓
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Day includes critical acclimatization gain/loss.

Day 7 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (13,300 ft.)

We climb up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 13,900 ft. before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,300 ft. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as “The Icicle,” was first climbed in the early 1970s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach 80 degrees F, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

• Altitudes: Barranco Camp: 12,900 ft; Karanga Valley: 13,300 ft
• Elevation Change: 1,300 ft ↑ / 1,000 ft ↓
• Mileage: 3.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 8 – Karanga Valley Camp to Upper Barafu Camp (15,800 ft.)

From the Karanga River we climb about five to six hours to our High Camp at Upper Barafu (15,600 ft.). As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south, we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mawenzi Peak tower before us. At Upper Barafu, we prepare for the summit attempt. We spend our time packing and preparing for the early morning, 2 a.m. departure.

• Altitudes: Karanga Valley: 13,300 ft; Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft
• Elevation Change: 2,300 ft ↑
• Mileage: 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 9 – Summit Attempt

Summit day! Awake at 11 p.m. for a light meal and midnight departure. We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge, we approach the crater’s rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft.). From here we view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim, the vast crater floor, the tiny Furtwängler Glacier, the ash pit, and the large northern ice cap.

We then descend back to High Camp for a short rest and lunch before packing up and continuing down to our last camp on the mountain — Millennium Camp — at 12,250 ft. Based on the team’s ability, we may continue to descend to Mweka Camp, at 10,000 ft.

Summit day average times: Upper Barafu—Summit 7–8 hours. Summit—Upper Barafu 2–3 hours. Upper Barafu—Millennium 2.5–3 hours.

• Altitudes: Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft; Summit: 19,344 ft
• Elevation Change: 3,544 ft ↑
• Mileage: 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 9-11 hours roundtrip to Upper Barafu
• Altitudes: Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft; Millennium Camp: 12,250 ft
• Mileage: 3.5 mi
• Hiking Time: 2.5-3 hours

Day 10 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Hotel

The sunrise is exquisite as we awaken at 5 a.m. below the towering mountain. We depart by 7 a.m., descending through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 20-ft. fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere.

After reaching the Mweka Gate, we enjoy a festive celebration with our crew, followed by a hot buffet lunch. Our 2.5-hour return drive to Arusha has us back in time for showers and to enjoy a celebratory dinner together. We will have a 30-minute safari briefing before dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

• Altitudes: Millennium Camp: 12,250 ft; Mweka Gate: 5,580 ft
• Elevation Change: 6,670 ft ↓
• Mileage: 8.4 mi
• Hiking Time: 5 hours

Day 11 – Safari Day 1

Safari itinerary subject to change. Based on team size and availability, travel order of safari parks may be reversed. Alpine Ascents also offers private luxury safaris through our US-based partner African Safari Company. These are fantastic, upscale safaris and can be catered to your family/group for 4 or more days.

Begin the safari to Tarangire National Park. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland, sprinkled with acacia and baobab trees and is known for its variety of large mammals. Here we overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge.

After enjoying a long, leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa’s seemingly endless roads, we will come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below us. Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of Tarangire National Park – home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa.

Day 12 – Safari Day 2

After breakfast we travel 2.5 hours over the Great Rift Valley and into the highlands above Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the afternoon in Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.

Here we encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant and hippo. Lion prides are very common and you are likely to see cheetah as well. We overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge perched on the rim of the crater.

Day 13 – Safari Day 3

After breakfast we proceed around the Ngorongoro crater rim and descend into the savanna to Serengeti National Park. We enjoy a game drive through the Southern Serengeti National Park en route to a deluxe safari lodge and dinner.

Day 14 – Depart Arusha – Optional Balloon Ride Over Serengeti

There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride. We enjoy a morning game drive en route to Seronera, where we will catch our flight.

We fly back to Arusha (weather permitting) for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel, and then prepare for late night international departures.

Day 0 – Depart for Tanzania

Depart your home country for Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania.

Day 1 – Arrive in Arusha

Arrive in Tanzania, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Four Points The Arusha Hotel (formerly the New Arusha Hotel) in Arusha.

Day 2 – Expedition Orientation and Gear Check

Meet over breakfast for a comprehensive expedition orientation covering all aspects of the climb. After lunch, complete a thorough gear check. Those interested may join an optional walking tour of Arusha before gathering for a team dinner. Overnight at the Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Day 3 – Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp (9,200 ft.)

Drive approximately two hours to Londorossi Gate to complete park registration before continuing to the Lemosho Trailhead. Meet the local Tanzanian climbing team, many of whom are from the Chagga tribe native to the Kilimanjaro region. Enjoy an easy hike through lush rainforest to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa).

• Altitudes: Lemosho Trailhead: 6,890 ft. | Big Tree Camp: 9,200 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 2,440 ft.
• Distance: 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Day 4 – Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp (11,500 ft.)

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into the moorland zone of giant heather. Cross the expansive Shira Plateau and camp at Shira I, surrounded by sweeping mountain views.

• Altitudes: Big Tree Camp: 9,200 ft. | Shira I Camp: 11,500 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.
• Distance: 5.6 miles
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Day 5 – Shira Camp to Moir Camp (13,500 ft.)

Cross the Shira Plateau on easy terrain before ascending gradually to secluded Moir Camp, located beneath Kilimanjaro’s northern ice fields on the mountain’s northwest side.

• Altitudes: Shira I Camp: 11,500 ft. | Moir Camp: 13,500 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft.
• Distance: 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Day 6 – Moir Camp to Lava Tower Camp (15,090 ft.)

Ascend into the alpine desert zone to Lava Tower Camp. This shorter day is important for acclimatization, with optional hikes available in the afternoon and spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s western face.

• Altitudes: Moir Camp: 13,500 ft. | Lava Tower Camp: 15,090 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.
• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4.5 hours

Day 7 – Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (13,300 ft.)

Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley before climbing the famous Barranco Wall and continuing to Karanga Valley Camp. This longer day is excellent for acclimatization and offers outstanding glacier and ice field views.

• Altitudes: Lava Tower Camp: 15,090 ft. | Karanga Camp: 13,300 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 1,450 ft.
• Elevation Loss: 2,500 ft.
• Distance: 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 6–7.5 hours

Day 8 – Karanga Valley Camp to Upper Barafu Camp (15,600 ft.)

Climb through high desert terrain to Upper Barafu Camp, your staging point for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, preparing gear, and attending a detailed summit briefing.

• Altitudes: Karanga Valley: 13,300 ft. | Upper Barafu Camp: 15,600 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.
• Distance: 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 9 – Summit Day and Crater Camp

Depart around 6:00 a.m. for the ascent to Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft.), following the crater rim to Africa’s highest point. After celebrating on the summit, descend to Crater Camp for a unique overnight experience. Optional excursions include Furtwängler Glacier and the volcanic ash pit.

• Altitudes: Upper Barafu Camp: 15,800 ft. | Uhuru Peak: 19,344 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 3,726 ft.
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 7–9 hours

• Altitudes: Uhuru Peak: 19,344 ft. | Crater Camp: 18,700 ft.
• Elevation Loss: 1,100 ft.
• Hiking Time to Camp: 1–3 hours

Day 10 – Crater Camp to Mweka Camp (10,000 ft.)

Enjoy sunrise from inside Kilimanjaro’s crater before descending through alpine terrain and heather to Mweka Camp on the edge of the forest.

• Altitudes: Crater Camp: 18,700 ft. | Mweka Camp: 10,000 ft.
• Elevation Loss: 9,344 ft.
• Distance: 9 miles
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

Day 11 – Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll celebrate with lunch before returning to Arusha. Clean up at the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.

• Altitudes: Mweka Camp: 10,200 ft. | Mweka Gate: 5,580 ft.
• Elevation Loss: 5,900 ft.
• Distance: 4 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours

Day 12 – Safari Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Begin your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds, baobab trees, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before overnighting at a deluxe safari lodge.

Day 13 – Safari Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Travel to Ngorongoro Crater for an extended game drive on the crater floor, where lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and cheetahs are commonly seen. Overnight at a deluxe lodge on the crater rim.

Day 14 – Safari Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Continue into the Serengeti with game viewing en route to a deluxe safari lodge overlooking the plains. Spend the afternoon exploring one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Day 15 – Depart Arusha

Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti before flying to Arusha (weather permitting). Enjoy a farewell lunch before preparing for your international departure home.