Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut Camp

   • Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to Machame Gate (1811m/5942ft).

   • Complete registration formalities and enjoy a hot lunch at the gate.

   • Begin trekking through lush rainforest to Machame Hut Camp.

   • Hike duration will be 4 to 6 hours.

   • Upon arrival, sign the camp tracking book and settle in for the night.

   Elevation: 1811m / 5942ft to 3021m / 9911ft
   Distance: 11km / 6.8 miles
   Habitat: Rainforest

2. Day 2: Machame Hut Camp to Shira Camp

   • Depart from Machame Camp and ascend towards Shira Plateau.

   • Expect steep sections and open moorland with little shade.

   • Use gaiters to manage the dusty trail.

   • Trek slowly, rest often, and enjoy views of Kibo, Meru, and the surrounding landscapes.

   • Cross a deep river gorge to reach Shira One Campsite.

   Elevation: 3050m / 9950ft to 3850m / 12,600ft
   Distance: 5.3km / 3.3 miles
   Altitude Gained: 818m
   Walking Time: 4-6 hours
   Habitat: Moorland

3. Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

   • Begin early and head west across the Shira Plateau.

   • Cross dry terrain towards the Southern slopes of Kibo.

   • Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization.

   • Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley for overnight camp.

   • Although elevation gain is minor, this day is critical for acclimatization.

   Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft to 4000m / 13,000ft
   Distance: 10.75km / 6.7 miles
   Walking Time: 7-10 hours
   Habitat: Semi-desert

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Depart from Barranco after breakfast.

   • Climb the steep Barranco Wall and continue along ridges to Karanga Valley.

   • Reach Karanga Camp for overnight stay.

   • This day is short to assist with acclimatization.

   Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
   Distance: 5km
   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

5. Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Depart from Karanga Camp after breakfast.

   • Ascend towards the junction with the Mweka Trail.

   • Continue to Barafu Hut Camp, completing the South Circuit.

   • Prepare for the summit attempt and enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

   Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
   Distance: 4km
   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Hut

   • Start the summit attempt between midnight and 2:00 am.

   • Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

   • From Stella Point (18,600ft), continue to Uhuru Peak (19,345ft), the highest point in Africa.

   • Descend to Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

   Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (descent to 10,000ft)
   Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
   Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
   Habitat: Arctic

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

   • After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate.

   • Collect summit certificates upon arrival at the gate.

   • Continue for one hour to Mweka Village.

   • Transfer by vehicle back to hotel accommodation in Moshi.

   Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
   Distance: 10km
   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Rainforest