Northern Route

Flight from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro Airport. After completing immigration and collecting your luggage at Kilimanjaro Airport, our welcoming team will meet you and transfer you to Moshi, located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind.

Stay: Springlands Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

2,200m (7,217ft) - 2,780m (8,695ft)
Distance: 7 km (4,3 miles)
Average hiking time: 5 hours

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate, your crew will finalize packing, and once the formalities are complete, you’ll continue by vehicle for about 30 minutes to reach the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today’s hike takes you through lush afromontane forest, with some steep sections along the way. A picnic lunch is typically enjoyed on the trail before arriving at the Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Stay: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

2,780m (8,695ft) – 3,840m (11,417ft)
Average hiking time: 6-7 hours

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting out from Mti Mkubwa Camp. The trail takes you through varied landscapes, including moorlands, with spectacular views of Kibo Volcano. You’ll hike for around five hours to reach Shira Camp 1, where a hot lunch prepared by our chef awaits. After lunch, continue trekking for another 2–3 hours to Shira Camp 2, situated at a higher altitude with sweeping views of the surrounding scenery. Upon arrival, our porters will set up your tents, giving you time to rest and acclimate before dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing on the next day’s trek.

Stay: Shira Camp 2 
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

3,878m (11,417ft) - 4,200m (13,779ft)
Distance: 8 km (11,2 miles)
Average hiking time: 4-5 hours

Enjoy an early breakfast at Shira 2 Camp before beginning your trek to Moir Hut. The trail steadily ascends into the giant heather moorland as you traverse Shira Ridge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Moir Hut (4,200 m), where you can rest and acclimate. This section blends gentle climbs with breathtaking scenery, preparing you for the more demanding days ahead. The peaceful setting at Moir Hut provides an ideal spot to relax and recharge.

Stay: Moir Hut Camp 
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

4,200m (13,779ft) - 4,025m (13,205ft)
Distance: 10 km (6,2 miles)
Average hiking time: 5-7 hours

Begin your day with breakfast at Moir Hut before leaving the moorland and entering the alpine desert. You’ll tackle a steep ridge off the main trail, a climb of about 5 to 7 hours, reaching Pofu Camp (4,025 m). Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Kenya’s wild landscapes to the north. This challenging section contrasts sharply with the lush moorland, showcasing the stark beauty and vastness of the alpine desert. Upon arriving at Pofu Camp, you’ll have time to take in the dramatic scenery and prepare for the next stage of your trek.

Stay: Pofu Camp 
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

4,025m (13,205ft) - 3,600m (11,811ft)
Distance: 12 km (7,5 miles)
Average hiking time: 5-7 hours

After a hearty breakfast at Pofu Camp, begin your trek eastward through valleys and ridges across the alpine desert and moorland. This 5 to 7-hour hike offers expansive views of the vast mountain wilderness, with rugged terrain and sweeping panoramas providing a dramatic backdrop along the way. Upon reaching Third Caves Camp (3,600 m), you’ll have plenty of time to rest and acclimate while taking in the serene surroundings. Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for the next day’s adventure, followed by a well-deserved dinner amid the stunning landscapes.

Stay: Third Caves Camp
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

3,600m (11,811ft) - 4,700m (15,419ft)
Distance: 10 km (6,2 miles)
Average hiking time: 4-7 hours

Prepare for your summit!

Set out from Third Caves Camp, heading south across valleys and ridges into the alpine desert and moorland. After 4 to 6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Kibo Camp (4,700 m), where temperatures begin to drop noticeably. Take this time to organize your gear for the upcoming summit attempt and make use of the fresh food supplies arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a hearty meal and get an early night’s rest, ensuring you’re well-prepared and acclimated for the challenging ascent ahead. Resting at Kibo Camp is essential for building energy and adjusting to the altitude before your summit bid.

Stay: Kibo Camp
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

4,700m (15,419ft) – 5,895m (19,341ft)
SUMMIT - Uhuru Peak!
Average time to the summit: 7 hours

Wake around midnight to begin your summit trek. Start hiking at 1 am, following switchbacks and navigating loose rocks as you climb to Gillman’s Point (5,685 m). From there, continue onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, where you reach the summit! Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy a brief moment at the top to celebrate your achievement.

Uhuru Peak / Millennium Camp

5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,110m (10,203ft)
Average hiking time: 8+hours

After enjoying the breathtaking views at the summit, begin your descent to Millennium Camp (3,110 m) for an overnight rest. The climb to the summit and the descent that follows are both physically demanding and immensely rewarding, making your evening at Millennium Camp a well-earned opportunity to relax and recover.

Stay: Millennium Camp 
Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

3,110m (10,203ft) - 1,830m (6,0031ft)
Distance: 10 km (6,2 miles)
Average hiking time: 2-3 hours

Descend from Millennium Camp (3,110 m) to Mweka Gate (1,830 m), a journey of about 2 to 3 hours. At the gate, you’ll receive your climbing certificate to celebrate your achievement. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Springlands Hotel for an overnight stay. Spend a relaxing evening at the hotel, reflecting on your incredible journey and the success of your climb. If you’ve booked a safari, our safari coordinator will meet with you in the afternoon for a pre-briefing and to discuss your upcoming adventure. For more information on safari options, please visit our Safari page.

Stay: Springlands Hotel 
Meals: Lunch & breakfast

Transfer from Springlands Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

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