Itinerary for 8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Package
Day 1 – Londorosi Gate (2250 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820 m)
On Day 1 of your trek, you'll start at Londorosi Gate (2250m) and head to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820m). The gate serves as the entry point for Mount Kilimanjaro, where you'll complete the necessary registrations. The trail takes you through lush rainforest, offering encounters with diverse flora and fauna. The trek to the camp takes around 3-4 hours, providing a serene atmosphere to relax and enjoy a meal. Stay hydrated, follow your guide's instructions, and prepare for the upcoming days of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles Hiking time: 3-4 hours Zone: Rainforest
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2820 m) to Shira Camp 1 (3500 m)
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, and the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles Hiking time: 6-7 hours Zone: Rainforest/moorland zone
Day 3 – Shira I Camp (3610 m) to Shira II Camp (3850 m)
Today you carry on climbing, up and across the Shira plateau, a 13-km-wide, undulating plain with amazing views out over the valley and your first views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main peak, to the east. The highest point of the day is the climb up to the Shira Cathedral, a ridge in the middle of the plateau that reaches 4,000 m. It’s not necessary to climb up it to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, but it offers amazing views. Then it’s back down to Shira II Camp at 3850 m for the night. Climbing high during the day and descending at night to sleep is a good way to help your body acclimatize to altitude.
Distance: 14 km / 8.5 miles Hiking time: 5-7 hours Zone: Moorland / High Alpine
Day 4 – Shira II Camp (3850 m) to Lava Tower (4600 m) and then Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
On this 4 day, even though you start and end at a similar elevation, it holds great significance for acclimatization purposes. Starting from the Shira Plateau, you will proceed eastward along a ridge, passing the junction that leads to Kibo Peak. From there, you will continue southeast towards the Lava Tower, famously known as the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation: 4650m/15,250ft). After the Lava Tower, you will run into a second junction, which guides you towards the Arrow Glacier. Following that, you will descend further and spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles Hiking time: 6-7 hours, Zone: High alpine
Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3900 m) to Karanga Camp (3995 m)
Day Five is the day many people worry about the famous Barranco Wall. It’s a 257 m / 843 ft climb up a steep rock face – not quite technical climbing but you will need to use your hands, and it can be a little precarious at times. After about two hours you’ll arrive at the top. You’ll get a rest and a chance to take in the views, before heading along on the flat and slightly downhill to what is probably the most beautiful camp location of all, Karanga Camp, in the shadow of Kibo Peak at 3995 m. If you’re doing the seven-day version of the Lemosho Route, you’ll only stop here briefly, before carrying on up to Barafu Camp at 4680 m.
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles, Hiking time: 4 hours, Zone: High alpine
Day 6 – Karanga Camp (3995 m) to Barafu Camp (4673m)
After ascending towards Barafu Camp, you have now completed the South Circuit, which provides awe-inspiring views of the summit from various perspectives. As you reach Barafu Camp, it's time to have an early dinner and rest, as you prepare for the challenging summit night ahead. You will spend the night at Barafu Camp, gathering your strength for the final ascent.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles, Hiking time: 4 hours, Zone: Alpine desert
Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) and then High Camp (3100 m)
You will begin your final ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro around midnight. It will be a slow and steady climb in the cold and dark, going up the steep slope of Kibo Peak. This part is tough and challenging, but it's the last big hurdle. As the sun rises, you'll see the rim of the crater ahead. After about 5-6 hours of continuous walking, you'll reach Stella Point at 5756 m. It's an incredible feeling to witness the dawn and realize you're almost there!
Take a break at Stella Point and get ready for the last part of the climb. It's about an hour of mostly flat walking around the crater rim until you reach Uhuru Peak at 5875 m. Pause to celebrate and capture some photos of your achievement to keep a sweet memory. However, your journey isn't finished yet because now you have to descend. It will involve slipping, sliding, and scrambling down the loose scree for about three hours until you reach Base Camp. Rest and gather your belongings for a couple of hours before continuing for another three hours down to High Camp at 3950 m.
Distance: 4.5 km / 3 miles ascent and then 11 km / 7 mile descent, Hiking time: 7-8 hours to the summit and then 5-7 hours to High Camp, Zone: Glacial zone and all zones as you descend
Day 8 – High Camp (3950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
On day 8 of the journey, the climbers descended from High Camp, which was situated at an altitude of 3950 meters. They made their way towards Mweka Gate, which is located at an altitude of 1640 meters. and they passed through different landscapes as they descended, such as alpine forests and lush vegetation. Finally, they reached Mweka Gate,
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles, Hiking time: 3-5 hours, Zone: Heather and Forest