Detailed Kilimanjaro Climbing and Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive through Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our representative and safari driver will meet you. Transfer to Arusha Town or Moshi for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive from Moshi or Arusha Town to Machame Gate for the Hike to Machame Camp (3,000m)
In the morning at 7 am, transfer to Machame Gate to meet your hiking crew, porters, and fellow hikers. After registration, begin the climb through the forest with your packed lunch and water.
The hike takes 4 to 5 hours, arriving at Machame Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight camping.
Day 3: Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,800m)
After breakfast, begin the hike to Shira Camp through short savanna rainforest and other plant zones, taking 4 to 5 hours with a picnic lunch en route. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon to rest before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Climb from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
This is one of the more demanding days of the climb, including the Lava Tower, followed by semi-glacier and sandy sections. Hike for 3 to 4 hours to reach Barranco Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay in your tent.
Day 5: Hike from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,500m)
Start with tea or coffee before another demanding day, climbing the Barranco Wall and continuing toward Karanga Valley for a picnic lunch break. Continue to Barafu Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Hike from Barafu to Uhuru Peak, Then Descend to Mweka Camp
This is the highlight of the climb. Wake at midnight and begin hiking at 1 am in the dark with your headlamp, reaching Stella Point after 5 to 6 hours. Continue for another 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit.
Take photos to mark the achievement, then rest and have lunch at Barafu Camp before descending to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Then Transfer to Arusha or Moshi Town
After a camp breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate. Tip your hiking crew and porters for their support during the climb, then transfer to a hotel in Moshi or Arusha Town for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Flight from Kilimanjaro to Kigali International Airport
Take a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Kigali International Airport, where your guide for the Uganda and Rwanda leg will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali.
Day 9: Drive from Kigali to Ruhengeri Province
After breakfast, join a city tour to explore craft markets, the city center, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Presidential Palace, and Kimironko Local Market, depending on time available.
Have lunch at a city restaurant, then drive to Ruhengeri, home to Volcanoes National Park, a 2 to 3 hour journey through hilly countryside. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: First Mountain Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park and Cross Over to Uganda
After an early breakfast, drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters for registration, briefing, and gorilla group allocation, then meet your assigned ranger guide.
A 20 to 30 minute drive takes you to the trailhead where your gorilla trek begins. The full trek can take 2 to 6 hours, with one hour spent observing the gorillas once found.
Return to your lodge for lunch, then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crossing the Katuna or Cyanika border for immigration clearance. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Second Mountain Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This trek is more demanding than the previous day, with rougher terrain, thicker vegetation, and steeper slopes. Briefing, registration, and group allocation take place before the trek begins in one of Bwindi’s four sectors.
Return to the lodge after your hour with the gorillas for a lunch buffet, then rest for the evening or join a guided community walk to learn about local culture. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12: Drive Back to Entebbe International Airport or Kigali City
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport, about 3 to 4 hours away, or Entebbe International Airport, about 8 to 9 hours away, with stops along the way, marking the end of your tour.
Book this 12-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing and Double Gorilla Trekking Tour today and combine a summit climb with gorilla treks in both Rwanda and Uganda.
