Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

   You will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel in Moshi. The briefing will take place at the hotel. Our guides will go through all the important details regarding your trek and an inspection of your trekking gear to make sure that you have enough needed equipment for your climb the next day.

2. Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

   After your morning breakfast, you’ll depart Moshi for the Machame Gate, the start of numerous Kilimanjaro climbing routes. The 45-minute journey will take scenic turns off the beaten path, traversing coffee plantations and traditional local villages. After reaching the park gate, our team will assemble all your gear while you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs. Then begins your first trekking experience at Machame Camp. Here you’ll venture across spectacular terrain, including tropical rainforests and grasslands, and wild animals. You’ll then stop and admire a view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mighty summit, Kibo Peak. Meanwhile, your team will be preparing a nice meal the camp is ready for your arrival.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp

   Waking up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. Gather your belongings and plenty of water ready for the jounery ahead. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, and a sight of the jagged volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also have gradual exposure to increasingly higher altitudes to help with the acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Watch for the shrinking vegetation the higher you ascend Kilimanjaro, including the exotic Lobelia Deckenii and the Scenecio dwarf shrub. Finish the day at Shira Camp, where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey.

4. Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

   Waking up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. Gather your belongings and plenty of water ready for the jounery ahead. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, and a sight of the jagged volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also have gradual exposure to increasingly higher altitudes to help with the acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Watch for the shrinking vegetation the higher you ascend Kilimanjaro, including the exotic Lobelia Deckenii and the Scenecio dwarf shrub. Finish the day at Shira Camp where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey.

5. Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

   The day before your final ascent is filled with thrilling exploration and adventure. Start the morning with an invigorating 90-minute climb up Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, and down into the gorgeous green territories of the Karanga Valley. Survey spectacular vistas of bleached glaciers and gleaming shards of light, then journey near the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. As the bronzed peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks come into view, you’ll stop and have an energy-dense dinner in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit.

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

   Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) Walking Time: 14-16 hours Distance: 19km

   At midnight, you’ll rise to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Journey amid gleaming glaciers to Stella Point while the sun rises, illuminating the amazing peaks of the summit. Savor the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching Uhuru Peak, your final destination. Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you’ll be filled with a sense of exhilaration looking down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice. Celebrate with your team and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot, steaming breakfast. The day ends with your arrival at Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night at the camp.

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Moshi

   Wake up on your last day on the mountain rested and triumphant—you’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro! After hot breakfast, you’ll be heading towards Mweka Gate through gorgeous forest scenery draped in clouds and mist. Our vehicle will be there to transport you back to Moshi where a hot shower, soft mattress, and fresh set of clothes await.

8. Day 8: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

   Today we will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will embark on your flight home. If you’ve chosen to participate in a safari – well, we will be more than happy to arrange that for you.