13 Day Kilimanjaro Hike & Uganda Gorilla Safari

• Elevation: 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft

• Distance: 6 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, passing through local villages and scenic farmland. After registration and park formalities, we continue to the Lemosho trailhead, where the trek officially begins. The first few hours are an easy, scenic walk through the lush rainforest, home to a variety of wildlife including black-and-white colobus monkeys and even forest buffalo. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail before arriving at Big Tree Camp, where we spend our first night under the forest canopy.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft

• Distance: 8 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike takes us out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, a surreal landscape filled with giant heathers and volcanic boulders. As we gain altitude, the air gets crisper, and the forest gives way to sweeping views across the Shira Plateau. We’ll take regular breaks to acclimate as we ascend steadily to Shira 1 Camp, our overnight base with stunning views of Kibo Peak on a clear day.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

• Distance: 14 km

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

The landscape opens up today as we cross the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most expansive and scenic areas. You’ll have panoramic views of the volcanic cones and the possibility to spot wildlife like eland or jackals. Depending on your acclimatization plan, we’ll either camp at Shira 2 Camp, beside a serene stream, or continue further to the more remote Moir Hut, nestled at the base of Lent Hills. An optional short hike around the hills is available for those feeling strong and wanting to boost their acclimatization.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft

• Distance: 7 km

• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland

Today is all about acclimatization. We ascend gradually to the impressive Lava Tower (14,900 ft), a dramatic volcanic plug where we’ll stop for lunch. This is a vital step in preparing your body for higher altitudes. From there, we descend into the stunning Barranco Valley, rich with giant groundsels and unique flora. We arrive at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic spots on the mountain, with towering cliffs and epic sunset views.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We start the day with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall, a non-technical but exhilarating scramble offering jaw-dropping views over the valley. The trail continues across rolling ridges and through a dramatic landscape of rock and alpine desert until we reach Karanga Camp. This is the final water point before the summit, so it’s an important stop for hydration and rest.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft

• Distance: 4 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our climb continues with a steady ascent to Barafu Camp, the launch point for our summit bid. The environment becomes increasingly stark, with views of Mawenzi Peak and a dramatic, moonscape-like terrain. After arriving, we’ll eat a hot lunch, rest, and take a short acclimatization hike before an early night. Tomorrow is summit day!

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft

• Distance: 6 km ascent

• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

• Habitat: Arctic

Unlike other routes that begin the summit push at midnight, we begin our climb during daylight hours, allowing you to fully take in the scenery. With determination and support from your guides, you’ll ascend past Stella Point and reach the crater rim before arriving at Crater Camp, one of the highest and most remote campsites in the world. If you’re feeling up to it, explore the Rebmann Glacier or simply rest in preparation for your final ascent to the summit.

Accommodation: Crater Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 19,345 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 10,000 ft

• Distance: 12 km descent

• Hiking Time: 1–2 hours to summit, 6–8 hours descent

• Habitat: Arctic to Heath Zone

Wake before sunrise for the final push to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa! Standing at the summit as the sun rises over the vast plains below is a moment you’ll never forget. After celebrating and taking photos, we begin the long descent, passing back through Barafu Camp and into lower altitudes. We end the day at Mweka Camp, nestled in the forested zone, where a good night’s sleep awaits.

Accommodation: Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we complete the final leg of the journey through the lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificate. Expect a warm welcome and celebration from the crew. From here, we’ll transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, hearty meal, and comfortable bed.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Today begins with a scenic flight from Arusha, Tanzania to Kigali, Rwanda—offering breathtaking aerial views of East Africa’s savannahs, volcanoes, and lakes. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you and assist with your journey onward.

From Kigali, enjoy a comfortable drive through Rwanda’s famed “land of a thousand hills.” The journey is rich in beauty, with terraced hillsides, small villages, and smiling locals along the way. After crossing the border into Uganda, you’ll continue through lush highlands en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. By evening, you’ll arrive at your cozy forest lodge, perfectly nestled for your gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

This is the day you’ve been waiting for—gorilla trekking in the heart of Bwindi! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from expert rangers. You’ll learn about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and how to stay safe and respectful during your encounter.

Once assigned a gorilla family, set off into the dense rainforest accompanied by experienced trackers. The trek can range from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but every moment in the jungle is filled with anticipation, birdsong, and the possibility of spotting other wildlife like colobus monkeys or forest duikers. When you finally meet the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them up close—watching juveniles play, silverbacks lead, and mothers nurture their young. It’s a profound and humbling wildlife experience that few places on earth can offer.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and well-earned rest. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or exploring the nearby village. You’ll also receive a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board