Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi Town or Arusha. Attend a pre-trek briefing, gear check, and final preparations before an overnight stay in a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Londorosi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 720m
Terrain: Rainforest
After registration at Londorosi Gate, a short drive takes you to the trailhead, where the trek begins. Hike through dense rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and exotic birds. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for the night.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 680m
Terrain: Moorland
The trail climbs steeply as you leave the rainforest and enter heath and moorland zones. Walk across the Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape offering panoramic views of Kibo Peak. Reach Shira 1 Camp and rest.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m
Terrain: Moorland
A short but important acclimatization hike across Shira Plateau. Enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Meru and the surrounding valleys. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for an early finish and rest to adjust to the altitude.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 730m
Elevation Loss: 670m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Acclimatization day! Hike to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you will spend time at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly improves your summit success rate. Enjoy views of the Barranco Wall, which you will climb the next day.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Terrain: Rocky and Alpine Desert
Start with the exciting Barranco Wall climb, a steep but manageable scramble. The trail then descends slightly into Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp. This shorter hike allows for further acclimatization.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 645m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
The landscape becomes barren and rocky as you approach Barafu Camp, your last base before summit night. Arrive early to eat, rest, and hydrate, as you will start your summit attempt at midnight.
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 5 km (ascent) + 12 km (descent)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent) + 4–6 hours (descent)
Elevation Gain: 1,215m
Elevation Loss: 2,795m
Terrain: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
Summit Night! Begin your hike at midnight. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at the summit as you watch the sunrise over Africa. Descend to Barafu Camp for a short break before continuing to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Terrain: Rainforest
A final descent through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Drive back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and a night in a hotel.
Day 10: Departure or Optional Activities
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or extend your adventure with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or a beach getaway in Zanzibar.
Why Choose the Londorosi Route?
Less crowded, quieter, and more remote than other routes. Excellent acclimatization with a gradual ascent leading to high success rates. Offers scenic and diverse landscapes, passing through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.