Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate African Adventure

Your adventure begins with a flight from Vienna. As you settle in for the long journey, you can start looking forward to an unforgettable trek.

Upon arrival in Moshi, we’ll find ourselves right at the foot of Kilimanjaro. This lively town will be our base for resting and getting ready for the adventure ahead.

After checking into our hotel, we’ll have time to explore the local markets. You’ll find practical supplies for the trek, but more importantly, it’s a chance to experience the real Tanzania. Meet local people, sample fresh tropical fruit and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.

Back at the hotel, your guide will brief you on the upcoming trek and check your equipment to make sure you have everything you need. If anything is missing, don’t worry – we’ll help you sort it out before the adventure begins.

Our first stop on the journey to the summit will be Big Tree Camp, also known as Mti Mkubwa. We’ll reach the camp after approximately three hours of hiking from Londorossi Gate, where our trek officially begins.

Our trail will lead us through lush tropical rainforest, surrounded by dense vegetation and towering trees, with the chance to spot some of the region’s endemic plant species along the way. At around 2,780 metres (9,121 ft) above sea level, Big Tree Camp will be our first overnight stop. It’s here that we’ll leave civilisation behind and step into the heart of the wilderness.

Nestled in the forest, the campsite offers a peaceful clearing beside a wooded valley – the perfect place to rest and begin acclimatising to the altitude. The surrounding trees provide shelter from strong winds, although rain showers are common in this area, so we’ll need to be prepared for wet weather.

We’ll spend the night in tents, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

The following day, we’ll make our way to Shira 1 Camp, located at approximately 3,500 metres (11,483 ft) above sea level. Our trail will take us out of the forest and onto the vast Shira Plateau, where the landscape transforms into a striking alpine desert.

The campsite offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and marks our first night at a significantly higher altitude. As we continue to gain elevation gradually, our bodies will begin adapting to the thinner air – an essential part of preparing for a successful summit attempt.

Shira 1 is a peaceful spot with spectacular panoramic views, making it the perfect place to rest, take in the extraordinary scenery and recharge for the next stage of our adventure.

After crossing the Shira Plateau, we’ll reach Shira 2 Camp, located at approximately 3,850 metres (12,631 ft) above sea level. By now, we’ll truly feel that we’re high in the mountains, with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the vast surrounding landscape.

Shira 2 is an important stop for acclimatisation. We’ll take time to rest, stay well hydrated and pay attention to how our bodies are adjusting to the altitude – all essential for tackling the days ahead.

Once again, our team will prepare the tents for the night. The landscape will become increasingly rugged and open, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Temperatures can drop significantly after dark, so we’ll need to be prepared for genuine mountain conditions.

And if the skies are clear, we’ll be treated to spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Here on Kilimanjaro, the changing light can transform the landscape into something truly magical.

Today’s trek has two stages: an ascent to Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), followed by a descent to Barranco Camp (3,967 m / 13,015 ft). This follows the proven acclimatisation strategy of “climb high, sleep low”, helping our bodies adapt to the altitude.

We’ll reach Lava Tower, a striking rock formation created by cooled lava that stands as a reminder of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic origins. Rising approximately 90 metres above the surrounding terrain, the tower offers spectacular views of the landscape. For safety reasons, climbing to the top is not permitted, but we’ll still have plenty of opportunities to admire the dramatic scenery.

At the foot of the tower, we’ll take a break at Lava Tower Camp, an important acclimatisation stop on both the Lemosho Route and other Kilimanjaro trails. The trek from Shira 2 will take approximately five hours, bringing us to an altitude of around 4,600 metres (15,090 ft) – high enough for us to really feel the effects of the thinner air.

After a night at Barranco Camp, we’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall – a steep rock face that promises both an exciting challenge and spectacular views. Although it looks impressive, this section doesn’t involve technical climbing. Instead, we’ll scramble up the rocks using our hands and feet.

At around 4,200 metres (13,780 ft) above sea level, we’ll navigate narrow passages and natural rock steps. We’ll take our time, move at a steady pace and help one another along the way, with our experienced guides ensuring we stay safe throughout.

Once we reach the top of the wall, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. The terrain then levels out as we continue across the high-altitude landscape towards Karanga Valley.

It’s another demanding day at altitude, but an incredibly rewarding one that brings us one step closer to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

On Day 8, we’ll reach Barafu Camp, situated at approximately 4,600 metres (15,091 ft) above sea level. This will be our base camp before the final push to the summit.

The campsite lies in a rugged, barren landscape of rocks and scree, with virtually no vegetation and only basic facilities – just our tents and spectacular mountain views.

We’ll turn in early tonight, as our team will wake us around midnight with tea and biscuits to help us prepare for the long climb ahead. Conditions will be cold and windy, so we’ll wrap up in warm layers and get ready for the biggest challenge of our adventure: reaching Uhuru Peak.

We’ll set off well before sunrise, beginning our final ascent under the stars.

We’ll set off from Barafu Camp around midnight for the toughest part of our entire journey: the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft).

We’ll climb through the darkness, step by step, guided by our headlamps and surrounded by the silence of the thin mountain air. The trail will take us across loose scree and steep terrain. We’ll maintain a slow, steady pace, following the pole pole philosophy, as the altitude and fatigue make every step a challenge.

As dawn approaches, an unforgettable spectacle will unfold before us. The African horizon will glow with shades of orange and pink, the glaciers will shimmer in the early light, and we’ll know that our goal is within reach.

Reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak summit sign will be an incredibly emotional moment, filled with joy, relief and pride. Here, on the Roof of Africa, we’ll take unforgettable photos and create memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

After a short break at the summit, we’ll begin our descent to Barafu Camp before continuing down to Mweka Camp. Along the way, we’ll pass through the mountain’s contrasting climatic zones once again – from alpine desert and heathland to lush green rainforest. With every step towards lower altitudes, breathing will become easier, although our knees will certainly feel the strain of the long descent.

By evening, we’ll arrive at Mweka Camp, the final campsite of our trek. We’ll spend the night beneath the forest canopy, with our minds full of incredible memories and the satisfaction of having reached the summit of Africa.

In the morning, we’ll leave Mweka Camp for the final stretch of our journey – the descent to Mweka Gate, located at approximately 1,640 metres (5,381 ft) above sea level.

We’ll spend the next few hours hiking through the rainforest, where the humid air and lush greenery offer a striking contrast to the dry, barren landscapes near the summit.

At Mweka Gate, our expedition will officially come to an end. We’ll complete the final park formalities, collect our summit certificates and say goodbye to the mountain team who have supported us throughout the journey.

Here, we’ll bring our adventure full circle – from the snow and ice of Africa’s highest peak to the vibrant green leaves of the tropical rainforest.

After a final breakfast and heartfelt goodbyes to the team, you’ll be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule. And so, your African adventure comes to an end – with a head full of unforgettable memories, a camera full of incredible moments and a heart that may one day bring you back here.

Continuing Your Adventure: The 5-Day Safari

Decided to extend your stay and keep the adventure going? Great choice! After taking some time to rest following your Kilimanjaro climb, we’ll head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants, majestic baobab trees and peaceful atmosphere away from the main tourist trails.

Your safari adventure starts here!

After landing in Vienna, you’ll make your own way home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your African adventure.