This route to Kilimanjaro is the most scenic and offers the smoothest acclimatization, which increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit. We offer this tour over six or seven days in addition to eight. The trek starts on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate. As an alternative, you can take the Shira route, which begins at a higher, more challenging attitude.
Tour Highlights
Most scenic route
Smoothest acclimatization
Higher chances of summit success
Starts at Londorossi Gate
Shira Route alternative
Higher starting altitude
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Climbing gear
Park fees
(For non-residents)
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation
(Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water
(On all days)
Sleeping bag
Not Included
International flights
(From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Bath towels
Tips
(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
6-Day Itinerary
Londorossi Gate
12km
2hrs
Mti Mkubwa Camp
01
Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast we will drive straight to Kilimanjaro. Getting to the Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) takes approximately two hours from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before being transported to your trek’s starting point, which is an additional 12km from Londorossi.
Lunch and Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate.
Register with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
Transfer to the trek starting point, approximately 12 km from the gate.
The drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate takes approximately 2 hours.
Londorossi Gate is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level.
Forest Camp
8 km
5–6 hours
Shira 1 Camp
02
Forest Camp - Shira 1 Camp
Today we will continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We’ll ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge and dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Hike from Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp.
Trek through heathland, tall grasses, and volcanic rock formations.
Ascend rolling hills and cross several streams.
Cross Shira Ridge and descend gently to Shira 1 Camp.
Enjoy scenic views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau.
Carry at least 2–3 litres of drinking water.
Bring a waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
Wear comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Bring a small backpack for personal essentials.
Shira Camp 1
11Km
7-5 Hrs
Moir Hut
03
Shira Camp 1 - Moir Hut
After breakfast, you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning views across the valley below and the western breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for strong winds and temperatures getting below zero in the early hours.
You’ll then continue up the Shira Caldera and onto an off-the-beaten path to Moir Hut.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Hike across the Shira Plateau toward Shira Camp 2.
Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach.
Continue ascending through the Shira Caldera toward Moir Hut.
Explore the scenic, less-travelled trail leading to Moir Hut.
Arrive at Moir Hut, rest, and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Carry 2–3 litres of drinking water and energy-rich snacks.
Pack warm clothing, gloves, a hat, and a windproof, waterproof jacket.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and carry trekking poles.
Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses because of strong UV exposure at high altitude.
Walk slowly and maintain a steady pace to support acclimatization.
Moir Hut
10km
6-8hrs
Barranco Camp
04
Moir Hut - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp
On day four you will continue trekking through a desert-like landscape as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters. You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail, which descends to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). You will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the night before.
Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to acclimatize the body to altitude.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Hike from Moir Hut toward Lava Tower.
Explore the alpine desert landscape and Shark’s Tooth formation.
Enjoy lunch at Lava Tower (4,600 m).
Descend through the scenic Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp (3,900 m).
Acclimatize using the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Carry 2–3 litres of drinking water and energy snacks.
Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, and rain gear.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and carry trekking poles.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Walk slowly and monitor yourself for altitude sickness symptoms.
Inform your guide immediately if you develop a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.
Barranco Camp
9Km
6-8hrs
Barafu Camp
05
Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we’ll leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley campsite. From Karanga we’ll hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Once we arrive at the Barafu Hut we’ll have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Hike from Barranco Camp toward the Barranco Wall.
Climb the Barranco Wall and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Trek through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp.
Continue to Barafu Camp via the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail.
Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks along the Southern Circuit.
Arrive at Barafu Camp, have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit attempt.
Carry 2–3 litres of drinking water and high-energy snacks.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip for the Barranco Wall.
Bring warm clothing, gloves, a hat, and a windproof jacket.
Carry trekking poles for steep ascents and descents.
Pack a headlamp with spare batteries for the summit attempt.
Keep your summit clothing, gloves, and extra socks ready.
Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and report any altitude sickness symptoms to your guide.
Eat an early dinner and rest as much as possible before summit day.
Barafu camp
16km
10-12hrs
Mweka
06
Barafu camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka
You will wake up around 1130pm, and after some tea and biscuits, start climbing to Uhuru peak into the early morning. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with perhaps the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see. The time spent on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.
You will walk back to Barafu from the summit. Here you will have a well-earned (but short) rest and collect the rest of your gear before heading down to Mweka Hut (3100m). Be sure to enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Budget camping
Activities
Begin the summit attempt from Barafu Camp around 11:30 PM.
Trek through steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,685 m).
Enjoy the sunrise from the crater rim.
Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Take summit photos and celebrate reaching the top.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and collect your gear.
Carry a headlamp with spare batteries.
Wear thermal layers, a warm jacket, gloves, a warm hat, and appropriate hiking boots.
Carry sufficient water, energy snacks, and a packed lunch.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
Walk slowly and follow your guide's instructions throughout the summit attempt.
Keep your hands, feet, and head warm to prevent cold-related injuries.
