Kilimanjaro Routes 9 Days Western Approach

Arrival Day: Arrive Tanzania

A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge.

• Overnight: Planet Lodge

Acclimatization Day: Ndarakwai Ranch

Acclimatize during a day at this private conservation area. Spot local wildlife and warm up for your climb on hikes through open savannah.

Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200′)

Trek Day 1: Begin trek to forest camp

Your first mountain camp is located in the rainforest. Watch for rare black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging in the lush canopy overhead.

• Overnight: Forest Camp (9,281′)
• Hours trekking: 3-4

Trek Day 2: Forest camp to Shira 1 camp

Pass into the heath, where dense rainforest gives way to the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau. This is where you’ll catch your first view of the summit towering above the clouds.

• Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,499′)
• Hours trekking: 5-6

Trek Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp

Explore the Shira Plateau during an acclimatization day that will increase your chances of summit success. Look west for breathtaking views of Mt. Meru.

• Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,795′)
• Hours trekking: 3-4

Trek Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower camp

Your camp is set next to the impressive Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro’s most famous volcanic formations. Staying at this higher altitude, then descending to a lower-altitude camp tomorrow, prepares your body for summit success.

• Overnight: Lava Tower Camp (15,213′)
• Hours trekking: 4-6

Trek Day 5: Lava Tower to Karanga camp

Descend into the Great Barranco Valley, then scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, enjoying gorgeous views of a waterfall below and the imposing glaciers that crown Kilimanjaro above.

• Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231′)
• Hours trekking: 6-7

Trek Day 6: Karanga to Barafu camp

Temperatures drop and the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon as you hike higher up the mountain. Rest up before tomorrow’s daytime summit bid.

• Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331′)
• Hours trekking: 3-4

Trek Day 7: Barafu to Summit

As dawn breaks you’ll set out for the summit. Arrive in the afternoon, when weather is generally better and most trekkers from more crowded routes have already descended. Overnight at Barafu or in the soft sands of Reusch Crater (on select departures).

• Overnight: Barafu Camp *optional Crater Camp (15,331′)
• Hours trekking: 9-12

Trek Day 8: Barafu or Crater Camp / Mweka Millennium Camp

After a celebratory breakfast begin your descent. On select departures staying in Crater Camp, hikers can explore the glaciers and the ash pit, or even summit a second time.

• Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500′)
• Hours trekking: 4-7

Trek Day 9: Departure Day

Complete Trek / Return Back to your home 

Enjoy a farewell ceremony at the park gate with your guides and porters. Transfer to a day room where you can shower and relax before your evening flight home.

• Day room: Planet Lodge
• Hours trekking: 4-8