Overview Itinerary includes & Excludes Related Safaris
High Plains to Uhuru Peak

High Plains to Uhuru Peak

Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Shira Route, with two nights in Arusha, mountain camping, and a guided summit attempt to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

9
DAYS
1
DESTINATIONS
GUESTS

Overview

Enjoy a Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Shira Route, a scenic 7-day western approach that crosses the dramatic Shira Plateau before following the southern circuit towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. This 9-day itinerary includes an arrival night in Arusha, a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, a 7-day mountain trek and a final night in Arusha before departure. You will camp at Shira 1, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka Camps, with carefully planned acclimatisation including the Lava Tower “climb high, sleep low” stage. Travel with an experienced English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide, professional porters and a dedicated support crew. Full-board meals are provided during the mountain trek, with private transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha, Londorossi Gate and Mweka Gate. Choose budget, midrange or luxury accommodation in Arusha, while the mountain section uses organised tented camps, sleeping tents, dining arrangements and professional support. This trek suits couples, friends, families and first-time Kilimanjaro climbers who want dramatic high-altitude scenery, varied terrain and the option to add a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach extension.

Western approach: Begin from Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s distinctive western side.

Shira Plateau: Cross a broad, dramatic high-altitude landscape with expansive mountain views.

Lava Tower: Climb high before descending to Barranco Camp as part of your acclimatisation strategy.

Barranco Wall: Take on one of Kilimanjaro’s most memorable sections with your mountain crew.

Southern circuit: Continue through Karanga and Barafu towards the summit.

Summit night: Ascend through darkness to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru Peak: Stand at 5,895 metres for a memorable sunrise over Africa.

Mweka descent: Descend through lush montane rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s southern side.

Expert guiding: Trek with experienced guides, porters, cooks and a professional mountain team.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to Arusha, and meet your mountain guide for a climb briefing and equipment check.

Comfortable hotel in Arusha
Dinner
Londorossi Gate
Shira 1 Camp
Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp

Drive to Londorossi Gate, register, and trek through forest towards Shira 1 Camp.

Shira 1 Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp through open moorland and high-altitude heath.

Shira 2 Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Barranco Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Climb towards Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp as part of the acclimatisation strategy.

Barranco Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Karanga Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Cross the famous Barranco Wall and continue along the southern circuit to Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Barafu Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for the summit attempt.

Barafu Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Uhuru Peak
Mweka Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin the pre-dawn summit ascent, climb to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mweka Gate
Arusha
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Descend through montane rainforest to Mweka Gate, then transfer to Arusha.

Comfortable hotel in Arusha
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 9: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Enjoy breakfast in Arusha, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue to your next destination.

No overnight stay
Breakfast
Wildlife

Wildlife Experience


Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit


The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa

Inclusions

Private airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Comfortable hotel accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek.

Professional English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide.

Experienced mountain porters, cooks and support crew.

Shira Route mountain park entrance fees.

Kilimanjaro conservation and applicable mountain fees.

Mountain camping accommodation at Shira 1, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka Camps.

Sleeping tents and organised mountain camping equipment.

Dining tent and professional cooking arrangements.

Full-board meals during the mountain trek.

Breakfast and dinner at the Arusha hotel as specified in the itinerary.

Drinking water during the mountain trek.

Pre-climb briefing and equipment check.

Guided summit attempt to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

Mountain rescue and emergency support fees as applicable.

Government taxes and statutory levies.

Exclude

International and domestic flights unless specifically included.

Tanzania visa and travel documentation.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

Personal trekking and mountain equipment.

Personal expenses, laundry and telephone charges.

Drinks and beverages not specified in the itinerary.

Tips and gratuities for mountain guides, porters, cooks, hotel staff and other crew.

Optional activities in Arusha.

Additional hotel nights before or after the scheduled itinerary.

Personal emergency evacuation costs not covered by applicable rescue arrangements.

Additional activities, accommodation or services not specified in the itinerary.

Optional Tanzania wildlife safari or Zanzibar extension unless specifically included.

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