Change in Elevation:
– Machame Camp (3,010 m)
– Shira Camp (3,845 m)

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation:
– Shira Camp (3,845 m)
– Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours

Trekking from Mandara hut to Horombo hut

After breakfast you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Change in Elevation:
– Shira Camp (3,845 m)
– Lava Tower (4,630 m)
– Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours

Trekking from Shira camp to the Lava tower and descent to Barranco camp

After breakfast you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1-2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

Change in Elevation:
– Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
– Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours

Trekking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.

Change in Elevation:
– Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
– Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
– Millennium Camp (3,820 m)

Hiking distance: 15 km

Hiking time: 8 to 12 hours

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Change in Elevation:
– Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
– Mweka Gate (1,650 m)

Hiking distance: 12 km

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight back home or to your next destination.

Optional extra day

Spend an Extra day at Karanga Camp (4035m) for better acclimatization.

This itinerary can be combined with beach holiday, Gorilla & chimps trekking in Uganda or Rwanda or a wildlife safari in Kenya or Tanzania. CREATE A LINK TO CONTACT US contact our safari specialist to help you put together this itinerary and many other Kilimanjaro climb options!.

Byeeeeeeeeeee !!!!