Journey with us to the Roof of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro -
Summit a giant.
Standing 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro rises from the plains of Tanzania as the tallest freestanding mountain on Earth. It’s a true giant, one of the Seven Summits. Being a non-technical climb, you trek to the top without the need for ropes and climbing gear, moving through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and the exposed upper slopes. A long, demanding ascent through incredible changing terrain.
Our journey begins in Arusha at the foot of the mountain, where we settle into a luxury lodge on a working coffee plantation. From there, we head to the trailhead to start the Lemosho Route - moving first through lush rainforest and up onto the Shira Plateau.
As we gain altitude, the landscape shifts. We cross the Lava Tower, climb the Barranco Wall, and continue through the high alpine desert towards Karanga and then Barafu - our final camp before the summit push.
Over the days, the air thins, the views open up, and the scale of the mountain reveals itself. And when you reach the summit at sunrise, standing on the highest point in Africa, it’s a moment that stays with you long after your boots hit the dirt again.
After descending, we return to Arusha for a well-earned meal, a hot shower, and one last night under African skies. For those who want to keep exploring and view Africa's spectacular wildlife, a post trek safari is an easily arranged add-on.
inclusions
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to accommodation
All accommodation on the adventure including lodge
All in country transfers
All meals for the trip (specialist meals can be catered for), purified water and bottle
Equipment for the trip – tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pillow, foam mat
Australian Trek Leader with wilderness first aid and search and rescue qualifications
Highly experienced local team for all your support on the mountain
Mountain permits and fees
T-shirt and hat/beanie
Comprehensive company insurance
FAST FACTS
Start and finish: Tanzania International Airport
Total Duration: 10 days
Group size: Approx. 8-10
Meals: All meals provided
Sleeping details: Hotel - 2 nights, tents - 7 nights. Hotel twin share with single supplement available.
Activity: 8 days of trekking, 1 day each side for travel and briefings as per itinerary
mount kilimanjaro - summit map
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania - Arusha.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to our lodge, where we’ll run through a pre-trek briefing and a full equipment check.
Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp (2,750m ASL).
We commence our trek. The first section winds through the lower slopes — lush, green and almost jungle-like. Down here you’ll often see monkeys and other wildlife moving through the trees as we make our way upward. We finish the day at Forest Camp, our first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Shira Volcano to Shira One (3,500m ASL).
Today we climb out of the thick vegetation and onto the edge of the Shira Volcano, where we get our first clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape opens up quickly. The trees fall away, the air gets thinner. This is where the climb starts to feel real as we move above 3,000 metres. We finish the day at Shira One Camp.
Day 4: Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira Two (3,800m ASL).
Following the well-known mountain saying pole pole — “slowly, slowly” — we climb to over 4,000 metres before dropping back to around 3,800 metres. This is an acclimatisation day and we wrap up early for lunch and a rest at Shira Two Camp.
Day 5: Move to Lava Tower (4,600m ASL).
The altitude starts to bite today as we climb higher. This section is long, exposed and slow by design. A steady ascent to help the body adjust. We take regular breaks and check in often to make sure everyone is handling the altitude well.
Day 6: The Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,960m ASL).
Today we drop down to Barranco and then up the Barranco Wall and the famous Kissing Rock. As we make the top of the Barranco Wall we will be met with the most amazing views down the valley.
From there, we continue to drop in altitude, giving the body a solid acclimatisation window and a break from the higher elevations. This is a good chance to rest, recover and start preparing for the summit push ahead.
Day 7: Head to Barafu (Base Camp).
Today we trek to Barafu, the base camp of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a short day on the trail and we usually reach camp before lunch. But don’t be fooled by the easy morning - tonight is summit night. After lunch we organise our gear, enjoy an early dinner, then rest in the tents before the summit push.
Day 8: The Summit Push - Mt Kilimanjaro.
We set off around midnight and begin the slow climb to the summit. Although it’s only about 5km from Barafu, the climb takes around seven hours due to the altitude. We move steadily, taking regular breaks and checking in on each other along the way. All going well, we reach the summit at first light and stand on the roof of Africa, the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After taking it in, we begin our descent back down the mountain for lunch and a short rest, before continuing further into the lower regions. We finish the day at Mweka Camp, where the thicker air is a welcome relief.
Day 9: End of trek and return to Arusha.
Today we wrap up the final 10km of the trek, all downhill and a solid finish to an incredible week on the mountain. There’s time at the gate to celebrate the achievement properly, usually with a cold beer and a few good laughs.
From there, we jump on the bus back to Arusha for a well-earned shower and a proper clean-up. We finish the trip with a celebration dinner before flying home the next day.
Day 10: Home Time or Further Travel.
Today we part ways as you either fly home or continue your journey with a safari or further travel across Africa.
Upcoming dates:
11-20 September 2026
