Remote, beautiful and less crowded: approach Kilimanjaro from the west across the Shira Plateau.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Country
- Tanzania
- Format
- Private
7 days · Trekking
At a glance
- 7
- Days
- 6
- Nights
- 6
- Places to stay
- Private
- Group
Where you'll stay
- Big Tree Camp
- Shira Camp
- Barranco Camp
- Karanga Camp
- Barafu Camp
- Mweka Camp
Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
A 1 hour 45 minute drive from Arusha takes you to the park gate for permits. Hike through rainforest (3–4 hours, 4.8 km); the trail can be muddy so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Elevation 2,389 m to 2,785 m.
Where you stay
Big Tree Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the forest behind and climb steadily through heath and moorland with wide views to the rim of the Shira Plateau. Elevation to about 3,895 m (6–8 hours). Temperatures drop.
Where you stay
Shira Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Continue east to Lava Tower (4,650 m), the 'Shark's Tooth', then descend to Barranco Camp (3,986 m). A very important day for acclimatization with panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Where you stay
Barranco Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the Great Barranco Wall, a steep non-technical scramble passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, to Karanga Camp (about 3,970–4,034 m). Optional afternoon acclimatization walk.
Where you stay
Karanga Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Walk across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation to Barafu Camp (4,640–4,662 m), completing the South Circuit. Keep hydrated and warm; early dinner and rest.
Where you stay
Barafu Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Summit Day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka Camp
Start around midnight, climbing steeply through scree for 4–5 hours to Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim and on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise. Descend to Barafu for breakfast/lunch and continue to Mweka Camp (about 3,100 m). Gaiters and poles help with the loose gravel.
Where you stay
Mweka Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete park formalities, receive your certificates and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Rates are in US dollars, per person sharing, based on the lodges in this itinerary. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates and party.
Per person sharing
USD
Per person sharing, USD; single supplement $350; includes park, camping and rescue fees, professional guides, cooks and porters, sleeping mats, gate and airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation pre/post climb and meals on the mountain. An earlier 2022-23 rate was $1,750. Prices are guides and may change with season, availability and exchange rates. See our terms for payment and cancellation details.
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Mountain crew of cook and porters in the right ratio for your group
- Pre- and post-climb accommodation (2 nights bed and breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- All meals on the mountain, drinking water
- All National Park and hut/camping fees, crew permits and VAT
- Fair and sustainable crew wages
- Transfers to and from the trek gate
- Complimentary emergency oxygen cylinder
- Portable private toilet and porter
- Quality imported camping equipment
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