ARRIVAL DETAILS
Upon your arrival in Arusha, Tanzania you will be warmly welcomed by our dedicated driver, who will provide a personalized meet-and-greet service to ensure your journey begins on a positive note. As you transition to your accommodation, rest assured that every detail has been meticulously arranged to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Overnight at Kibo Palace Hotel
Your daily routine when trekking and when on safari.
DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742ft - 9,498ft
Distance: 4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, roughly a 4-hour drive, where you will complete the entry formalities. We will then drive to the Lemosho trailhead and upon arrival, we will begin the hike through undisturbed forest which winds its way to the first campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue monkeys swinging through the trees!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498ft - 11,500ft
Distance: 5 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - (FIRST BBQ EVENT AT 5PM)
Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500ft - 13,800ft
Distance: 7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800ft - 15,190ft
Distance: 4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190ft - 13,044ft
Distance: 2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is extremely beneficial for acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044ft - 3,106ft
Distance: 3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approximately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it looked.
From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.
DAY 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,106ft - 15,331ft
Distance: 2 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - BBQ EVENT #2 AT 5PM
Accommodation: Four season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAY 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (FINAL BBQ EVENT)
Elevation: 15,331ft - 19,341ft
Distance: 3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341ft - 10,065ft
Distance: 7 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak— the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065ft - 5,380ft
Distance: 6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha for shower. Here, we can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we wait to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in the hotel for a long overdue hot shower.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.
DAYS 9 - RESTING AND LAUNDY DAY
Day 10-11: Your Safari begins from Arusha to Tarangire National park. You will arrive in time for mid-morning game drive in Tarangire National park. And head to your camp in late afternoon for your dinner. Next you will have an early morning game drive and back to the same lodge for lunch, relaxation, pool time, and overnight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Sopa Lodge
Day 12-13: Today you will have something very special in Ngorongoro crater conservation area…Game drive all day in the crater with hot lunch and drinks, and transfer to your lodge in late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Bouganvilie lodge.
Day 14-15: A day in your life where you get to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras searching for green grass in the southern Southern Serengeti national park….Another big day in Sere, touring the great Central Serengeti plain for the big fives and animal Male lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Baobab Luxury camp
END OF YOUR TANZANIA JOURNEY.
TRIP EXTENSION
If you are considering extending your stay in Zanzibar, we offer two exceptional lodging options, each benefiting from our exclusive local discounts:
- Mid-range: ***stars / Nungwi Beach Resort
- Luxury boutique: *****stars / White Sand Villas
Please inform us of your preference, and we will assist you with flight arrangements and all necessary transfers.
The Good Earth Expeditions team extends heartfelt gratitude for entrusting us with your safari adventure. We are thrilled to have been a part of your journey, creating unforgettable memories filled with exploration and cultural immersion. As you return home, we wish you safe travels and encourage you to cherish the experiences you’ve gathered along the way. Your adventure not only enriches your own life but also supports the local communities we cherish
From all of us, at Good Earth Expedition Travel
THANK YOU