Our Most Popular Trek
Combining the Shira and Lemosho Routes, The Western Approach is beloved for a reason: with fewer crowds and ample acclimatization time, trekkers are set up for summit success. Breathtaking scenery, including the spectacular Lava Tower, and a daytime summit bid make this route a long-time favorite.
Elevation and Trek Hours
Review Your Itinerary
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Arrival DayArrive in Tanzania
A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge.
Overnight:
Planet Lodge
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Acclimatization DayNdarakwai 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′)
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Trek Day 1Begin 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 (8,694′)
Hours trekking:
3–4
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Trek Day 2Forest 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 (11,844′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 3Shira 1 to Moir Camp
Explore the Shira Plateau during an acclimatization day designed to increase your chances of summit success. Look west for breathtaking views of Mt. Meru.
Overnight:
Moir Camp (13,780′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 4Moir to Barranco Camp
Trek past Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro’s most famous volcanic formations before descending into the Great Barranco Valley. Your camp is set at the foot of the Barranco Wall.
Overnight:
Barranco Camp (12,795′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 5Barranco to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, enjoying gorgeous views of waterfalls below and the imposing glaciers that crown Kilimanjaro above.
Overnight:
Karanga Camp (13,107′)
Hours trekking:
4–5
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Trek Day 6Karanga 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:
2–3
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Trek Day 7Barafu to Summit
As dawn breaks you’ll set out for the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341′). Arrive in the afternoon, when weather is generally better and most trekkers from more crowded routes have already descended.
Overnight:
Barafu Camp (15,331′)
Hours trekking:
8–10 ascent to summit / 2–4 descent to camp
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Trek Day 8Barafu to Mweka Camp
After a celebratory breakfast, begin your descent.
Overnight:
Mweka Camp (10,171′)
Hours trekking:
3–4
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Trek Day 9 | DepartureMweka Gate | Return 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
photo: Carey Wagner
Add-On
Personal Porter
Strong, friendly, encouraging, and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to Uhuru Peak. Dedicated solely to your trekking needs, your personal porter carries your daypack all the way up and down the mountain. That’s 10–20 pounds off your back, which adds up over the course of a weeklong trek at altitude. Once you’ve booked your trek, ask us about working with a personal porter.
Extend Your Trip
Crater & Plains Safari
From $4,990 per Adult
See the big five and hundreds more species in breathtaking locations like the Serengeti and the lush Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect complement to your Kilimanjaro climb!
Highlights Safari
From $6,890 per Adult
Our premier safari extension features visits to remote Maasai communities, world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a stay in an exclusive private nature refuge.