8 Day Great Hiking of Kilimanjaro Mountain

Challenge yourself with an unforgettable 8 Day Great Hiking of Kilimanjaro Mountain adventure. This remarkable trek takes you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level. Following the scenic Lemosho Route, this trek offers excellent acclimatisation, diverse landscapes, and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.

The journey takes you through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacier-covered summit zones. Along the way, you will experience breathtaking views, unique wildlife, dramatic mountain scenery, and the satisfaction of standing on the Roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your mountain guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

You will attend a pre-climb briefing where your equipment will be checked and the trekking programme explained. The remainder of the day is available for relaxation and preparation.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Panama Garden Resort

Mid-range: Parkview Inn

Luxury: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before continuing to the trailhead.

Begin your trek through the lush rainforest where towering trees, colourful birds, and black-and-white colobus monkeys may be seen. The trail gradually climbs through the forest before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres

Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Altitude: 2,100 metres to 2,750 metres

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue through the forest as the vegetation gradually changes into open moorland.

Enjoy spectacular views across the Shira Plateau and the surrounding mountain landscapes. The trail offers excellent opportunities for photography as Kilimanjaro’s peaks become increasingly visible.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 8 kilometres

Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Altitude: 2,750 metres to 3,500 metres

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation

Shira 1 Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas.

The relatively gentle hike allows your body to adjust to the increasing altitude while providing magnificent views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding wilderness.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres

Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Altitude: 3,500 metres to 3,850 metres

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation

Shira 2 Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today is one of the most important acclimatisation days on the trek.

Climb steadily towards Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 metres before descending to Barranco Camp. This strategy helps your body adapt to the altitude and increases your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

Enjoy spectacular views of glaciers, valleys, and dramatic mountain formations.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres

Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours

Altitude: 3,850 metres to 4,630 metres and down to 3,960 metres

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation

Barranco Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the entire climb.

Although steep in places, the climb is manageable and rewards hikers with incredible views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. Continue across ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp.

The shorter trekking day allows additional time for rest and acclimatisation.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres

Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Altitude: 3,960 metres to 4,035 metres

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation

Karanga Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue the climb towards Barafu Camp, the final base camp before summit day.

The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you move through the alpine desert zone. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and rest while preparing for the midnight summit attempt.

Your guides will provide a final briefing before the most challenging and rewarding part of the adventure.

Hiking Details

Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres

Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Altitude: 4,035 metres to 4,640 metres

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation

Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Summit at Uhuru Peak and Descent

Shortly after midnight, begin your ascent towards Uhuru Peak.

The climb follows a gradual but demanding route through the summit zone. Reach Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

As the sun rises over the continent, celebrate your achievement and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit.

After photographs and celebrations, descend via Barafu Camp before continuing down the mountain to Mweka Camp or exiting depending on the trekking schedule and arrangements.

Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Activities

• Materuni Waterfalls excursion.
• Coffee plantation tour in Moshi.
• Chemka Hot Springs visit.
• Wildlife safari in Tarangire National Park.
• Ngorongoro Crater safari extension.
• Serengeti National Park safari.
• Lake Manyara National Park excursion.
• Maasai cultural experience.
• Zanzibar beach holiday extension.
• Wildlife photography tour.

Best Time to Visit

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but the best trekking conditions are generally experienced from January to March and June to October. These months offer clearer skies, better visibility, and more comfortable hiking conditions.

The dry seasons provide the highest chances of reaching the summit while enjoying spectacular views across Tanzania and neighbouring Kenya. The mountain remains a rewarding challenge at any time of year for well-prepared hikers seeking the adventure of a lifetime.