Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly Lucky Moon Adventure representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide for a detailed trek briefing and a final equipment check before the adventure begins.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 2,360 m to 2,820 m (7,742 ft to 9,252 ft)
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Start your journey with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for park registration. From there, trek through lush rainforest trails alive with wildlife, including Colobus monkeys, before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp for your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,820 m to 3,610 m (9,252 ft to 11,844 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Today’s trek climbs steeply out of the forest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail offers sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the plateau, where the landscape begins to feel more remote and alpine.

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,610 m to 3,850 m (11,844 ft to 12,631 ft)
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

A more gradual hike today leads you across the Shira Plateau with beautiful views of Kibo Peak ahead. You may take a detour to Shira Cathedral for extra acclimatization. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll enjoy expansive views and a peaceful evening under the stars.

Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,200 m (12,631 ft to 13,780 ft)
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Cross the Shira Plateau and ascend gradually to the Moir Hut—a quieter, less-traveled camp nestled below the Lent Hills. In the afternoon, you may explore the Lent Hills for optional acclimatization hikes.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,020 m (13,780 ft to 13,188 ft)
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Today you’ll climb to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) for high-altitude acclimatization before descending to the Northern Circuit and continuing to Buffalo Camp. This part of the route offers solitude, dramatic landscapes, and panoramic views over the plains of Kenya.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,870 m (13,188 ft to 12,697 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Enjoy a gradual hike with fewer crowds as you journey around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail leads through alpine terrain to Third Cave Camp, where you’ll rest ahead of your push to the base of the summit.

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (Base Camp)

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,800 m (12,697 ft to 15,748 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Today you make your way up to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. The trail is steep and passes through sparse alpine desert. After arriving, enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for your midnight summit push.

Day 8: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp

Summit Elevation: 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Descent to: 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Distance: 6 km ascent + 12 km descent (11 miles total)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Around midnight, begin your final ascent by headlamp. The route takes you up switchbacks to Gilman’s Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with photos at sunrise before descending to Barafu for rest and continuing to Mweka Camp for your final night.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m (10,170 ft to 5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your climbing certificate. Your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Moshi. Celebrate your successful summit with a farewell dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Departure Day

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home or onward to your next adventure—be it a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday. Let us know and we’ll help you plan your perfect extension!