In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel for a short briefing before setting off. You’ll then travel by vehicle for approximately 3–4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft). Here, you’ll complete the necessary formalities, including obtaining climbing permits and registering with the park’s search and rescue service.
From the gate, the trek begins through lush rainforest terrain, heading toward Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Rain gear is especially important on this day, as the rainforest is often wet and humid.
By the time you arrive at camp, the mountain crew will have set up your tents and started preparing lunch. After a short rest, the group will set out on an acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, gaining approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in elevation before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp. A hot dinner will be ready upon your return, and you’ll spend the night at the camp.