DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from M&M Sawa Safaris will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. This vibrant city serves as your base to prepare for the climb. You will have the day to relax, adjust to the altitude, and explore Arusha’s local culture, including markets and museums, before your trek.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Meru House Inn
- Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
- Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner at the accommodation
Extra Activities: Maasai market visit, Arusha city tour, or coffee plantation tour
DAY 2: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
- Altitude: 2,100m to 2,650m
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Your trek begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate for formalities. The first part of the trek takes you through the lush rainforest, where you might spot Colobus monkeys and enjoy the shaded trail. This first day offers a gentle introduction to the climb.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Guided nature walk, evening briefing
DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
- Altitude: 2,650m to 3,610m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
You ascend out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. As you approach the Shira Ridge, enjoy expansive views of the Shira Plateau and, on clear days, your first glimpse of Kibo Peak. This day offers beautiful panoramas and a gradual altitude gain.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Sunset photography, stargazing
DAY 4: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
- Altitude: 3,610m to 3,850m
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
This day is vital for acclimatization as you cross the Shira Plateau, known for its unique vegetation and scenic rock formations. The gentle terrain allows you to relax and take in the natural beauty while your body adapts to the increasing altitude.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Acclimatization hike, nature photography
DAY 5: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
- Altitude: 3,850m to 4,600m then down to 3,900m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
This is a crucial acclimatization day, as you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600m before descending to Barranco Camp. The Lava Tower offers fantastic views, and the descent to Barranco helps your body adjust to the higher altitudes.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Barranco Wall briefing, acclimatization exercises
DAY 6: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
- Altitude: 3,900m to 4,035m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Today, you tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding climb. Once you reach the top, the trail becomes gentler as you head towards Karanga Camp. This day allows you to continue acclimatizing and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Afternoon acclimatization hike, evening summit briefing
DAY 7: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
- Altitude: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
This is a shorter but steep hike to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. As you ascend, the barren landscape offers a taste of the challenges ahead. The camp offers a chance to rest before the midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Final summit briefing, rest
DAY 8: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK, DESCEND TO MWEKA CAMP
- Altitude: 4,640m to 5,895m then down to 3,080m
- Distance: 17 km
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic summit to moorland
Starting at midnight, you’ll climb toward Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak. After your triumphant moment at the summit, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest and celebrate your achievement.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Light snack before the summit, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Celebratory photos at Uhuru Peak
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE, TRANSFER TO ARUSHA
- Altitude: 3,080m to 1,640m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
On your last day of trekking, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha to relax and celebrate your success.
Accommodation: - Budget: Meru House Inn
- Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
- Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extra Activities: Massage, spa, or shopping
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Arusha before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Reflect on your journey as you head home with unforgettable memories.
Meal Plan: Breakfast