Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

   • Distance: 11 km
   • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest
   • Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your experienced guides and porters. The trek starts with a scenic hike through lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife and towering trees draped in moss. 
   • The trail is well-defined but can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. 
   • As you ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to giant heathers and ferns before arriving at Machame Camp, your first overnight stop.

2. Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

   • Distance: 5 km
   • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
   • Habitat: Moorland 
   • Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s climb is steeper and takes you into the heath and moorland zone. The trail winds up through rocky ridges and open terrain, providing stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. 
   • The air gets thinner as you approach Shira Camp, located on a volcanic plateau with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. 
   • This is a shorter trekking day, allowing for acclimatization and rest before the more challenging days ahead.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

   • Distance: 10 km
   • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert
   • Today is an important acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch and spend time adapting to the altitude. 
   • The terrain becomes barren and rocky, resembling a lunar landscape. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, where the oxygen levels are higher. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly improves acclimatization. 
   • You’ll camp at Barranco Camp, famous for its spectacular views and the towering Barranco Wall, which you will conquer the next day.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

   • Distance: 9 km
   • Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert
   • Your day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent requiring some scrambling. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers and the valleys below. 
   • Unlike the 7-day route, which stops at Karanga Camp, you’ll continue directly to Barafu Camp, making this a longer and more demanding trekking day. The terrain becomes rocky and windswept, with little vegetation. 
   • Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the midnight summit attempt.

5. Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

   • Distance: 17 km (5 km to summit, 12 km descent)
   • Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
   • Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
   • Around midnight, you’ll begin your summit push, trekking in the darkness with headlamps guiding the way. The steep, zigzagging trail leads you to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over the African plains. 
   • A final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, where you’ll celebrate your achievement. 
   • After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp, rest briefly, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your last night on the mountain.

6. Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

   • Distance: 10 km
   • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   • Habitat: Rainforest
   • The final day is a gentle descent through the lush rainforest, where you’ll hear birdsong and may spot monkeys along the way. The trail is easier but can be muddy, so trekking poles are helpful. 
   • Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure. 
   • From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can celebrate your incredible achievement.