Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate To Machame Camp

   • Have breakfast, and you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Machame Gate (approximately 45 mins). 
   • After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. 
   • On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a perfect chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly coloured birds. The climb is a steady and gradual incline to Machame Camp, located on the edge of the rainforest and giant heather zones.

   Elevation Gain: 1,200 metres / 3,900 feet

   Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours

   Habitat: Rainforest

2. Day 2: Machame Camp To Shira Camp

   • On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. 
   • Start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views. Shira Camp is very exposed and will feel much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.

   Elevation Gain: 840 metres / 2,800 feet

   Hiking Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours

   Habitat: Moorland

3. Day 3: Shira Camp To Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower

   • The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. 
   • You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for incredible panoramic views before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little more demanding than the previous days, as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. 
   • Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is a perfect practice for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.

   Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet

   Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet

   Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

   • This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! 
   • You will cross a series of hills and valleys from the top of the wall before descending into Karanga Valley. 
   • After one steeper climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and overnight rest.

   Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet

   Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

5. Day 5: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

   • After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. 
   • Continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s, therefore, worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. 

   Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

   Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet

   Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

   Habitat: Alpine desert

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak Then Descending To Mweka Camp

   • This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
   • After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”.
   • Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. 
   • After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m), where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!

   Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet

   Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet

   Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp

   Habitat: Arctic conditions

7. Day 7: Mweka Hut To Mweka Gate

   • After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. 
   • Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!

   Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet 

   Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours 

   Habitat: Rainforest