Day 1 – Lemosho Glades (2,385m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
Distance: 7km | Trekking Time: 4 hours | Meals: B, L, D

You’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:00 AM and transferred to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro’s scenic western slopes, where after completing the registration process with park authorities, you’ll begin your steady climb through the pristine forests of the Lemosho Glades. The gentle ascent through towering trees and lush vegetation brings you to Big Tree Camp, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the rainforest.

Day 2 – Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8.5km | Trekking Time: 7 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Today’s trek takes you out of the forest zone and across a stunning plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with dramatic volcanic rock formations, with parts of the route becoming fairly steep as you gain considerable altitude. Your destination is Shira 1 Camp, positioned at the western edge of the expansive Shira Plateau, where on clear days you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak appearing to float majestically above the clouds.

Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Distance: 8km | Trekking Time: 5 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Your journey continues with a steady climb eastward across the vast moorland of the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular panoramic views and unique perspectives of Kibo’s Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain. After arriving at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, you’ll take an important acclimatization walk to higher elevations before returning to camp for dinner and overnight, helping your body adapt to the increasing altitude.

Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10km | Trekking Time: 7 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Today’s adventure begins with an ascent offering far-reaching panoramic views as you enter the upland desert climatic zone, walking along dramatic lava ridges beneath the towering glaciers of the Western Breach toward the distinctive Lava Tower (4,640m)—your high point for the day and perfect lunch spot. The afternoon brings a steep but crucial descent to Barranco Camp (3,960m), nestled in the base of the spectacular Great Barranco Valley and sheltered by soaring cliffs, where this “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly aids acclimatization while you enjoy extensive views of the plains stretching below.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,963m)
Distance: 5.5km | Trekking Time: 5 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Your day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco ravine followed by the exhilarating challenge of scaling the famous Great Barranco Wall—a non-technical but long and tiring scramble up rock that divides you from Kibo’s southeastern slopes. After passing beneath the impressive Heim and Kersten glaciers, you’ll head toward the Karanga Valley before making a steep climb up to Karanga Camp at 3,963m, and if you’re feeling strong, you’ll embark on a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4,200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Day 6 – Karanga Camp (3,963m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 3km | Trekking Time: 3 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Following a good night’s rest and breakfast, you’ll set off on a tough, steep climb across desolate scree slopes devoid of vegetation, made more challenging by the thin air at this altitude, before reaching Barafu Camp at 4,640m—your final camp before the summit push. After arriving and eating lunch, you’ll spend the afternoon resting, staying hydrated, and keeping warm in preparation for the long night and day ahead, followed by an early dinner and attempting to sleep before waking between 11 PM and midnight to begin your extraordinary summit attempt.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Crater Camp (5,790m)
Distance: 3km ascent + 1-2 hours to crater | Trekking Time: 5-6 hours to summit + 1-2 hours descent | Meals: B, L, D

Waking before dawn, you’ll begin your summit approach under the stars, reaching Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa at 5,895m—in the early afternoon when few other groups are around, allowing you to savor this triumphant moment on the Roof of Africa. After celebrating your achievement and capturing photographs of the surrounding glaciers and crater, you’ll make a short but significant descent into the volcanic crater itself to reach Crater Camp at 5,790m, where you’ll spend an extraordinary night sleeping on soft volcanic sands near the legendary Furtwangler Glacier—an exclusive and challenging extension experienced by only the most adventurous climbers, offering an unparalleled perspective of Kilimanjaro’s inner sanctum.

Day 8 – Crater Camp (5,790m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,790m)
Distance: 13.4km | Trekking Time: 12-15 hours | Meals: B, L, D

After witnessing an unforgettable sunrise from inside the crater and eating an early breakfast, you’ll climb back up to the crater rim at Stella Point, then make the long descent down the steep scree slopes of Kibo, passing through Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments. Continuing your descent through multiple climate zones as the air becomes thicker and warmer, you’ll finally arrive at Millennium Camp at 3,790m for a long, well-earned rest after one of the most demanding but rewarding days of your life.

Day 9 – Millennium Camp (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)
Distance: 12.1km | Trekking Time: 6 hours | Meals: B, L

Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a celebratory descent through the lush montane rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates—a prestigious recognition you can display with immense pride, especially having completed the rare crater camp extension. After saying emotional farewells to your mountain crew and collecting your certificate, you’ll be met by vehicles and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi with extraordinary memories of an adventure experienced by only a select few climbers in the world.