Hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Day One: Moshi – Bivouac Camp

First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned mountain guide, who will facilitate your hike to Mount Kilimanjaro.

You will be driven to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. Upon arrival at the Parks Gate, you will sign the register before entering the park, marking the first step toward accomplishing a life-long dream. The air in this area is thick with moisture, and the path is usually muddy.

The route initially follows a forestry track, winding up through the natural rain forest. Afterward, it narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges, and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance are visible. You will have dinner and stay overnight at the camp, which is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

[Time: 5 hours] 1800m – 2940m

Day Two: Bivouac Camp – Baranco Camp

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you can start your day’s hike through the forest, which gives way to rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As you ascend to higher altitude, you will catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you, set against the blue sky.

The path will flatten as you approach Barranco Valley, and from the Umbwe ridge, the route will descend slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is located in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

[Time: 6 hours] 2940m – 3950m

Day Three: Baranco Camp – Arrow Glacier Camp

Once you’ve finished breakfast, begin your hike towards Lava Tower, a well-known landmark on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep and rocky, offering stunning views of Mt. Meru, which is often referred to as Kilimanjaro’s little sister as its peak emerges through the clouds. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you’ll then head towards the Western Breach, embarking on a challenging ascent to Arrow Glacier camp at 4800m.

The hike can be demanding, and symptoms of altitude sickness may start to become noticeable at this point. The campsite itself is truly spectacular, surrounded by a landscape where vegetation has largely disappeared, leaving behind only rock and scree in various shades of brown and black. Given the high altitude, the campsite is very cold, so it’s essential to be well-prepared for the low temperatures. After a demanding day, you’ll have dinner and spend the night at the camp, preparing for the next stage of your venture.

[Time: 6 hours] 3950m – 4800m

Day Four: Arrow Glacier Camp – Crater

The trail from the Arrow Glacier Camp consists of steep scree and rocky outcrops, which require a scramble to ascend the Western Breach and reach the crater floor at 5700m. This day presents the toughest challenge of the journey. After snowfalls, the route can become icy and in these conditions, an ice axe or ski stick may be necessary.

Upon reaching the crater rim, you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of snow and glaciers. To the left, the Northern ice fields of Kilimanjaro and the Furtwangler Glacier will be visible. Walking past this glacier will lead you to the Crater Camp, situated at the crater rim.

If time allows, there is an option to climb to the ash pit, which takes approximately 1 ½ hours. The Ash Pit measures 340m across and is 120m deep, making it one of the most perfectly-formed examples in the world. The campsite can be very cold, and snow may occur. Spending a night in the inner crater of Kilimanjaro is a unique and exclusive experience, reserved for a fortunate few.

[Time: 5 hours] 4800m – 5700m

Day Five: Crater – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

Today marks the most demanding stretch of the hike, requiring an early start at midnight and a light breakfast of coffee or tea with biscuits. The ascent to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5895 meters above sea level, begins from the crater floor and may involve encountering snow throughout the two-hour climb.

The duration of time spent at the summit will be influenced by prevailing weather conditions, and it’s advised not to linger for too long due to the challenges of restarting in the cold and with fatigue. Upon reaching the highest point in Africa, take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishment, savor the panoramic view and capture photos or selfies.

The trek from the summit to Barafu camp typically takes around three hours, allowing for a well-deserved but brief respite before descending to Millennium camp at 3100 meters where breakfast will be served. The descent follows a manageable route, guiding you through rocky and scree paths into moorland, eventually transitioning into the forested area. Situated in the upper forest, the camp may experience mist or rain in the late afternoon, with provisions for dinner, washing water and drinking water being available.

[Time: 9 hours] 5700m – 5895m – 3100m

Day Six: Millennium Camp – Moshi

As you approach the final part of your adventure, start your day with a delightful breakfast before making your way down to Mweka gate. At Mweka gate, you’ll complete the necessary formalities and receive a summit certificate to commemorate your achievement.

Climbers who reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) are honored with green certificates, while those who conquer Uhuru Peak (5895m) are awarded with prestigious gold certificates. Afterwards, walk further down mweka village where hot lunch awaits. Later, you’ll be transferred to Moshi and check in to your hotel, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kilimanjaro hike. Finally, following the exhilarating hike, take the opportunity to indulge in a refreshing hot shower and well-deserved rest to rejuvenate yourself.

[Time: 5 hours] 3100m – 1980m

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