Climb Mount Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- January to March & June to October
We guide climbers to the summit of Africa's highest peak at 5895 m, following a structured ascent profile.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead systematic expeditions to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5895 m, Africa's highest freestanding mountain. Our route is designed to provide a gradual approach, allowing our teams proper physiological adjustment as we move through successive climate zones from rainforest to arctic summit conditions.
This program suits climbers seeking their first major high-altitude summit or looking to build baseline mountaineering competence for taller peaks. While the route does not require technical rock or ice climbing skills, the sustained daily exertion and altitude demand a high level of physical conditioning and mental resilience from every participant.
Our support team comprises certified wilderness first responders and experienced local guides who manage camp logistics, health monitoring, and daily pacing. We maintain strict safety protocols throughout the ascent, ensuring our climbers have the best possible conditions to reach the crater rim.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Uhuru Peak Summit
We stand at 5895 m on the roof of Africa after a pre-dawn push from Barafu Camp via Stella Point.
Gradual Acclimatisation
Our route utilizes high-sleep-low profiles to optimize physiological adaptation across nine days.
Expert Leadership
Our climbs are led by certified wilderness first responder professionals with proven records on high mountains.
Expedition Camp Life
We manage all camp logistics, providing robust tents and structured meals throughout the trek.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania, Accommodation in Moshi
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania, Accommodation in Moshi
Meals: B
We welcome you upon your arrival in Tanzania and transfer you to our base hotel in Moshi. Our team conducts a thorough pre-trip briefing and gear check to verify all personal equipment before we head onto the mountain.
Day 2
Start of the Trek
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Start of the Trek
Meals: B / L / D
Today we begin our expedition, leaving Moshi for the trailhead to complete park registration formalities. Our trail leads us through the lower forest zone, where our porters and guides set the rhythm for the days ahead.
Day 3
Trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Meals: B / L / D
The morning walk takes us across the moorland plateau of the Shira Caldera. We maintain a steady pace to assist with acclimatisation as the vegetation thins out into open alpine desert.
Day 4
Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then Trek to Barranco Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then Trek to Barranco Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We climb toward the prominent rock formation of Lava Tower at high altitude before descending into the Barranco Valley. This climb-high, sleep-low profile is an essential step in our physiological preparation.
Day 5
Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Acclimatisation Hike
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Acclimatisation Hike
Meals: B / L / D
We navigate the Barranco Wall early in the day, using our hands for basic stability on the rock. Afterward, we traverse undulating ridges to reach Karanga Camp for our midday rest and afternoon acclimatisation walk.
Day 6
Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Our route ascends steadily onto the barren alpine desert slopes leading to Barafu Camp. We arrive by early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare our cold-weather gear for the upcoming summit attempt.
Day 7
Trek from Barafu Camp to Stella Point, Summit at Uhuru Peak, Descend to Millennium Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek from Barafu Camp to Stella Point, Summit at Uhuru Peak, Descend to Millennium Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We depart well before midnight, switchbacking up the steep scree slope to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. From there, we follow the snow-rimmed path along the edge to reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, before descending past Barafu to Millennium Camp.
Day 8
Trek from Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp, Exit from Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek from Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp, Exit from Park
Meals: B / L / D
Our final morning on the mountain takes us downward through the forest zone to Mweka Gate. We complete our exit formalities, receive our summit certificates, and board transport back to Moshi.
Day 9
Departure from Tanzania
Meals: B
Day 9
Departure from Tanzania
Meals: B
We provide a group transfer to the airport according to your flight schedules, concluding our services for the expedition.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after the trek
- Certified local mountain guides and support crew
- All meals prepared by expedition cooks on the mountain
- National park entrance and camping fees
- Group medical kit and pulse oximeters
Not included
- International airfare to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Tips for local guides, cooks, and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Ascending to 5895 m exposes climbers to reduced oxygen levels. Our 9-day itinerary is structured to provide gradual elevation gains, and our guides monitor pulse rates and general well-being daily.
Fitness Expectations
While technical climbing skills are not required, cardiovascular endurance and leg strength are essential. We recommend a consistent training regimen of hiking with a loaded pack for several months prior to departure.
Weather & Temperatures
Conditions on Kilimanjaro range from warm sunshine in the lower forest to sub-zero temperatures on the summit night. Proper layering and windproof outer shells are necessary for the upper slopes.
Leader Support
Our expeditions are led by certified local wilderness first responders who coordinate all camp movements, medical checks, and emergency response procedures if required.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with ankle support and waterproof lining.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold nights.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures for summit night.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Breathable hardshell layers for rain and wind.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Comfort rated to -15°C or lower.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn summit push.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for stability on steep scree descents.
Passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Kept in a waterproof pouch.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need technical climbing experience for Kilimanjaro?
No technical climbing skills are required. The route involves walking on steep dirt paths and occasional basic scrambling, but ropes and technical gear are not necessary.
How do we manage altitude sickness on the mountain?
We use a structured ascent profile with built-in acclimatisation walks. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and oxygen cylinders for emergency use, and monitor each climber daily.
What kind of accommodation is provided on the trek?
We provide sturdy four-season expedition tents for sleeping on the mountain, along with a communal mess tent for meals.
How much weight do I carry in my daypack?
You only carry your personal daypack containing water, rain gear, warm layers, and camera equipment. Our porters transport your main duffel bag between camps.
What is the success rate on our climbs?
Our careful adherence to acclimatisation schedules, combined with experienced leadership, ensures a high success rate across our groups.
Are drinking water supplies available on the route?
Our kitchen crew boils and purifies mountain water for drinking each morning and evening. You should bring personal water bottles or a hydration bladder.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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