Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from NK Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town, located approximately 50 kilometers from the airport with a drive time of about 1 hour. Arusha is the main tourism hub of northern Tanzania and serves as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. This day is dedicated to rest, trip briefing, and final equipment checks. You will meet your mountain guide, review the climbing plan, and ensure all gear meets safety standards. The evening is free to relax and prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead.

Extra activities
Arusha city tour
Cultural market visit
Coffee plantation tour

Day 2: Arusha to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, you depart Arusha early in the morning for Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive covers approximately 150 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours, passing through scenic countryside and rural villages. Upon arrival at the gate, registration procedures are completed while porters organize equipment. The hike begins through dense montane rainforest, rich with towering trees, moss covered branches, and diverse birdlife. This section is gentle and ideal for easing into the trek. After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp at an altitude of 2,650 meters, where you enjoy dinner and overnight rest.

Extra activities
Nature photography
Bird watching
Guided forest ecology walk

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today’s hike transitions from rainforest into heather and moorland zone as the trail steadily ascends. The trekking distance is approximately 8 kilometers, taking about 5 to 6 hours. As the vegetation thins, expansive views of the Shira Plateau begin to unfold. This area is one of the largest high altitude plateaus in the world. You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp, situated at 3,610 meters, where temperatures begin to drop noticeably. The slower pace of the day allows your body to continue adjusting to altitude while enjoying sweeping views of Mount Meru and the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Extra activities
Sunset photography
Light acclimatization walk
Geological landscape observation

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

This day involves a relatively short but important acclimatization trek across the Shira Plateau, covering about 7 kilometers in 4 to 5 hours. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle ascents, allowing trekkers to walk comfortably while adapting to higher altitude. The area offers dramatic views of Kibo Peak and ancient volcanic formations. You reach Shira 2 Camp at an altitude of 3,850 meters, a key acclimatization stop. In the afternoon, a short acclimatization hike is conducted to enhance altitude adaptation before returning to camp for rest.

Extra activities
Acclimatization hike
Landscape photography
Stargazing at night

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

This is a critical acclimatization day following the climb high sleep low principle. The hike covers approximately 10 kilometers and takes around 6 to 7 hours. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters, where lunch is taken. The volcanic rock formations provide insight into Kilimanjaro’s geological history. Afterward, the trail descends into the scenic Barranco Valley, offering relief from altitude while maintaining acclimatization benefits. You arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters, surrounded by towering cliffs and glaciers.

Extra activities
Altitude training walk
Photography of Lava Tower
Valley exploration

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with the iconic climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non technical scramble requiring careful footing and teamwork. This section provides stunning views of glaciers and valleys. The total distance is about 6 kilometers, taking 4 to 5 hours. After conquering the wall, the trail undulates through alpine terrain before descending into Karanga Valley and climbing to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters. This shorter day helps conserve energy while continuing altitude adaptation.

Extra activities
Scenic viewpoint stops
Acclimatization walk
Photography sessions

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek leads into the alpine desert zone, characterized by rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. The hike covers approximately 4 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours. You reach Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters, the final base before the summit attempt. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing equipment for the summit climb. An early dinner is served followed by briefing from the guides before resting.

Extra activities
Equipment check
Short acclimatization walk
Summit preparation briefing

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins around midnight, with a slow and steady ascent under the stars. The climb to Uhuru Peak takes 6 to 8 hours, passing Stella Point before reaching the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters. The total hiking time for the day can reach 12 to 14 hours, making it the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek.

Extra activities
Summit photography
Certificate celebration
Glacier viewing

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, covering about 10 kilometers in 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, you sign out and receive your Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificates. You are then transferred back to Arusha, approximately 120 kilometers away, where you enjoy a well deserved shower, rest, and celebration dinner.

Extra activities
Celebration dinner
Souvenir shopping
Relaxation time

Day 10: Departure from Arusha

Depending on your flight schedule, NK Safaris will transfer you from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route adventure.