Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

   • After breakfast, depart from Arusha and travel to Machame Gate at 1,790 metres.
   • Complete all required registration and paperwork at Kilimanjaro National Park.
   • Begin the trek through lush rainforest featuring ancient trees, ferns, and endemic flowers such as Impatiens kilimanjari.
   • Spot black and white colobus monkeys along the forest trail.
   • Continue hiking to Machame Camp at 3,010 metres.
   • Relax, stretch, and enjoy a hearty meal before overnight stay in tents.

2. Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

   • Start early to allow arrival at Shira Camp by mid-afternoon.
   • Trek from Machame Camp at 3,010 metres to Shira Camp at 3,845 metres.
   • Observe the landscape changing from rainforest to heath and moorland.
   • Enjoy wide mountain views as the glaciers of Kibo glisten during sunset.
   • Settle into camp for dinner and overnight stay.

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

   • Begin the day on the Shira Plateau and trek towards Lava Tower.
   • Ascend approximately 800 metres to Lava Tower at 4,640 metres for acclimatisation.
   • Take a rest before descending through the Barranco Valley.
   • Walk through alpine desert scenery with lobelia plants and giant senecios.
   • Trek duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
   • Arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,960 metres for dinner and overnight stay.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Face the Barranco Wall, using hands for balance where necessary without technical climbing.
   • Receive guidance and support from the trekking guide throughout the ascent.
   • Continue along the ridge with several ascents and descents for further acclimatisation.
   • Enjoy dramatic contrasts between desert terrain and vegetation.
   • Reach Karanga Camp at 4,035 metres after a 3 to 4 hour trek.
   • Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the surroundings before dinner and overnight stay.

5. Day 5: Acclimatisation Trek in Karanga Valley

   • Undertake an acclimatisation hike lasting approximately 3.5 hours.
   • Cover an estimated distance of 4 kilometres.
   • Spend around 95 percent of the trek walking at elevations close to 4,250 metres.
   • Reach a maximum elevation of 4,590 metres during the day.
   • Descend and overnight at Karanga Valley campsite at 4,000 metres.
   • Total walking time for the day is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

   • Wake around midnight and prepare for the summit attempt with tea and biscuits.
   • Begin the ascent using headlamps and moonlight as the primary light sources.
   • Trek for 5 to 7 hours to reach Stella Point at 5,730 metres.
   • Continue for 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
   • Witness sunrise over Africa and view glaciers sparkling around the summit.
   • Descend back to Barafu Camp for snacks and refreshments.
   • Continue the descent to Mweka Camp at 3,080 metres for dinner and overnight stay.

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

   • Enjoy breakfast before beginning the final descent through rainforest terrain.
   • Spot colobus monkeys once again along the forest trail.
   • Reach Mweka Gate at 1,630 metres.
   • Participate in a traditional farewell ceremony with the mountain crew.
   • Transfer to Meru View Lodge for rest and refreshment.
   • Stay overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa on a bed and breakfast basis.