Experience Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Eyasi while staying in carefully selected standard lodges and tented camps.
Your adventure begins with a drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, passing through beautiful villages and coffee farms along the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing park registration, a short drive takes you to the trailhead where your trek officially begins. The trail winds through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and the possibility of spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys. Your guide will introduce you to the mountain's unique ecosystem as you gradually climb to your first overnight camp.
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the open heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes sparse while spectacular views begin to unfold across the Shira Plateau and surrounding valleys. As you continue climbing, the air becomes cooler and thinner, offering your first real taste of high-altitude trekking.
Today's hike crosses the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak while trekking across open moorland landscapes dotted with unique alpine vegetation. The gentle pace allows your body to continue acclimatizing while you take in some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular scenery before reaching Shira Hut.
This is one of the most important acclimatization days. You climb steadily to Lava Tower at 4,650 m, where you'll stop for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. The "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude while rewarding you with dramatic volcanic scenery and unforgettable views.
After breakfast, we begin the steep ascent up a ridge, preparing to tackle the exciting Barranco Wall, a key highlight of the trek. From the top, we descend into the beautiful Karanga Valley and reach the junction that connects to the Mweka Trail. This day offers a chance to witness the impressive strength, agility, and teamwork of your crew as they navigate the wall with ease. We end the day with an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. This section provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from several angles. Upon reaching the camp, enjoy an early dinner and rest to prepare for the demanding summit night ahead. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
The excitement builds as we begin our final ascent between midnight and 2 a.m., the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. Moving between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we stay focused on the incredible achievement ahead. Following switchbacks through scree, we reach Stella Point on the crater rim, where a magnificent sunrise awaits—faster hikers may even witness it from the summit. From Stella Point, it’s a one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow. Congratulations! You’ve reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent! After celebrating, we begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for the loose gravel and ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits at Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
After breakfast and a team appreciation ceremony, it’s time to say farewell to your guides, cooks, and porters—don’t forget to tip them! We begin the descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village for drive back to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebration!
Everything you need to know about what is covered in your safari package.
Discover why travelers choose Tanzania Safari Chapters.
Professional safari guides with extensive local knowledge.
Comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers for the best game viewing.
Explore Tanzania beyond ordinary tourist routes.
Dedicated assistance before and during your safari.
