Day : 1 Londorosi Gate to Shira 2 Camp

After formalities and registration are taken care of at Londorosi Gate, you are driven up through a dense rainforest where Morum Barrier Gate awaits you. The views of the wilderness will be breathtaking and you’ll begin to feel immersed into the Kilimanjaro mountainside as soon as you begin your once-in-a-lifetime excursion. The path maintains a very manageable incline as you cross the the vast Shira Plateau, steadily narrowing the distance between you and the free-standing mountain glistening in the afternoon sun. After you’ve crossed the Shira Plateau, watch out for a few specimen of the curious Dendrosenecio trees, also known as Giant Groundsels. Be aware that the Shira Plateau can be below freezing at night, so make sure you have your hats, gloves and flashlights ready.

Day : 2 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut Camp2

The morning climb brings you to the majestic Lava Tower, an ancient plug that was left by the active-volcanic days. This covers an altitude distance of approximately 750 meters from Shira 2 Camp. Your new surroundings at Lava Tower will consist of a high altitude desert, with no vegetation and pools of rocks, scree and dust as far as the eye can see. After spending time at the stunning Lava Tower, you will descend today into the Moir Hut Camp. Hiking high and sleeping low is an important tactic in acclimating your body to the higher altitudes. You’ll surely feel your legs today by the time you reach Moira Hut. This acclimatization opportunity is a quaint getaway from the other busier camps, and should be taken full advantage of!

Day : 3 Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp (4,026m)

Today you will head north onto the Northern Circuit, away from all other routes that approach the summit on the southern slopes. The day will begin with a fairly steep climb, as you hike to the summit of Lent Hills. You will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery of the vast moon-like terrain and the snow-covered mountains. The day will leave you with some time to rest, and an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The infinite amount of plains and the snow-capped Kibo will be a welcoming place to relax. Buffalo Camp has no cabins or built structures, not even toilet latrines, completely immersing yourself into the Kilimanjaro wilderness.

Day : 4 Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Today will be a fairly short and easy day as you head up the Buffalo Ridge onto your next camp. Crossing numerous ribs and gullies, you’ll find that this part of the mountain is quieter, since the route isn’t traveled as much. Enjoy the meditative silence and be prepared that your initial excitement of being on the mountain may be fading away and you may find the scenery a little repetitive. Once you arrive after a short hiking day, you may be met with an out of body experience as the clouds tend to hang around the camp. Weather permitting, Kibo’s majestic backdrop sits in your view as you take in the wonders of the mountain in this pristine area. Other than your Northern Circuit route, Third Cave is only used by some variations of the Rongai Route.

Day : 5 Third Cave to School Hut 

Today you will be climbing from Third Cave to School Hut, your base camp for the final summit push. You may start to be feeling butterflies in anticipation of your big summit night. Within less than 24 hours, you’ll be standing on the top of Africa! The hike will be shorter today, but significant altitude height will be gained to acclimate you for the summit. Soon after leaving Third Cave, the landscape will become barren, and you may feel like you’re on another planet with the clouds sitting below you. The views of the towering will motivate you as you take each step. It’s still fairly early as you approach the School Hut campsite, so that you can get as much rest as possible before the exciting night ahead. After an early dinner, it’s time to get your gear ready for your early wake up, and to catch as much sleep as you can.

Day : 6 School Hut to Stella Point to Crater Camp

Today is an early start for the moment you’ve been waiting for your final push to the top of Kibo. One of the benefits of staying overnight at Crater Camp is that you can conquer the top of Kilimanjaro in daylight rather than overnight. Congratulations! You’ve already conquered an impressive feat and will receive your climbing certificate for making to the top of Kibo. Even though Gilman's and Stella Point are not yet the summit, and the excitement of Uhuru Peak is still waiting for you the next morning, you can already be proud that you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

After replenishing your energy levels over a well-deserved break in the mess tent, the lunar landscape is yours to explore with the Resuch Crater and ash pit located only an hour away. After your accomplished day, what a treat to be able to experience the majestic offerings on the top of Kilimanjaro that so few climbers ever get to see!

Day : 7 Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

You will rise early to reach the summit by sunrise. Dawn is approaching as you push yourself to the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro and of Africa – Uhuru Peak. The opportunity to see the new day’s climbers and the sunrise from the summit is a privilege that you won’t soon forget. As you make your way down, you will find that the descent is tough on your knees, which will by now be feeling the impact of your climb up this formidable mountain. To ease the strain on your knees, make good use of your walking poles. For the initial part of your journey down from Stella Point, you will encounter fields of sand and scree, which can be particularly challenging to navigate your way through. Gaiters are once again essential here, to prevent some of the glacial scree making its way into your boots! There are different ways you can tackle the screen. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can simply slide or ski down the scree slopes, which is a fun and quick way of conquering it! But Mweka is only two hours further, located in the upper part of the rainforest zone, which brings with it a very welcome increase in oxygen and moisture in the air. Finally, you’ll be able to get some well-earned rest and relaxation, and celebrate the completion of this important milestone of your journey.

Day : 8 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The euphoria from yesterday’s achievement will linger today and give you a high that will last for some time to come. Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is not easy and the challenge associated with climbing it is legendary. Soon even the jungle will gradually start to fade in favour of dirt tracks and the return of civilization, which signals your arrival at Mweka Gate – the exit of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Once you have reached this point, your journey across Kilimanjaro will have concluded and you will be satisfied in the knowledge that you have reached the summit and finally conquered this tough but beautiful mountain. Once you arrive at Mweka Gate and you have completed your walk, it will be time to bid farewell to your crew. It is customary to tip your guides, cook and porters for their assistance during your trip before you are transported back to your hotel.