Mount Kilimanjaro Hike: 10 Days

Embrace your adventurous side and set off on an extraordinary 10-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Explore Africa's tallest peak and the varied landscapes offered by the Lemosho route!

Kilimanjaro Trek: 10 Days

This 10-day adventure involves ascending via the Lemosho route, where you will encounter a range of diverse environments, including lush forests, expansive plateaus, arid deserts, and stunning glaciers.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha via air-conditioned transport. Once you’re settled, you'll have a meeting with your guides to discuss the particulars of your journey along the Lemosho route. The day will conclude with a dinner.

Day 2: From Arusha to Londorossi Gate

After enjoying breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour drive to Londorossi Gate, the western entry point of Kilimanjaro. The trek starts here, covering a distance of 5 km (3 mi) as we navigate through cultivated fields towards the Lemosho trail.

At this point, you will meet essential guides from the local Chagga community, and together, we will traverse a forest, leading us to our first campsite at Big Tree camp, where we'll enjoy dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: Londorossi Gate to Shira Plateau

Following breakfast and final gear preparations, we will leave the forest behind and enter a vast expanse of heather that characterizes Kilimanjaro’s landscape. We will ascend for approximately 9 km (5 mi) through this beautiful terrain, eventually reaching the **Shira Plateau** – a wildlife-rich camping area. Dinner will be served at this remarkable campsite as we prepare for the next day.

Day 4: Crossing the Shira Plateau

On day four, our journey continues across the Shira Plateau into a moorland area where we will take a brief rest. We’ll walk across varied terrain until we reach a considerable gorge.

As we climb the northwest face of Kilimanjaro, you’ll notice a drop in temperature and a more wintry landscape. After about six hours of trekking, we’ll set up camp at Moir camp, nestled below the mountain's ice fields. Dinner will be served as we prepare for rest.

Day 5: Exploring Shira Plateau

This day, we will venture further into the western regions of Kilimanjaro. We’ll travel through moorland before entering the Alpine desert, where you’ll experience significant temperature shifts and changing air pressure.

We’ll cover a distance of just 5 km (3 mi) before reaching the Lava Tower camp, situated at an altitude of 4,114 m (13000 ft), allowing us time to acclimatize. Dinner will be served, followed by a night of rest.

Day 6: Shira Plateau to Barranco Valley

On the sixth day, we will embark on a 7-hour trek as we descend a couple of kilometers into the stunning Barranco Valley, a breathtaking natural landscape. While traversing this volcanic terrain, you'll adapt to the colder climate typical of this elevation.

By the end of the day, we will arrive at Karanga Valley camp, ready for dinner and the chance to admire the sunset over the Kilimanjaro glacier valley – a truly spectacular view!

Day 7: Barranco Valley to Desert Plateau

We will begin our day by crossing the Karanga River and starting a climb of about 6 km (3.7 mi). As we move through less trafficked areas, we will reach the volcanic rock-covered desert plateau.

From this remarkable vantage point, we will have stunning views of the Mawenzi summit, one of the dormant volcanoes within the Kilimanjaro range. After approximately six hours of climbing, we will reach the Kosovo camp, where we will spend the night next to a crater.

Day 8: From Desert Plateau to Uhuru

Our ascent to the summit of Kibo will start early. As we navigate around the crater of this volcano, we aim for the Uhuru peak, at 5896 m (19000 ft), marking the highest point on the African continent!

You will have time to appreciate the incredible views, capture photos at the summit, and relish the satisfaction of standing at Kilimanjaro's zenith. From this breathtaking spot, you’ll witness the hanging glaciers and the Bismarck towers.

We will then begin our descent back to camp for dinner and an opportunity to rest.

Day 9: Descent from Uhuru to Mweka Gate - Return to Arusha

As dawn breaks, we will complete the final leg of our descent into the lush jungle at Kilimanjaro's lower slopes. From here, we will make our way to Mweka Gate, followed by lunch before heading back to the hotel in Arusha.

After check-in, a celebratory dinner awaits to commemorate our achievement.

Day 10: Departure from Arusha

To wrap up the tour, we will accompany you to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation Details

Throughout the first and last nights of the trek, you will stay at the following hotel in Arusha: Maura Apartments & Lodges. For the remaining nights, accommodations will be provided in tents.