Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate (1490m) - Machame Camp (3000m)

   • After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi (900m) and driven to Machame gate. After completing your registration and formalities with the park authority, you enter the rainforest zone immediately and start your Kilimanjaro ascent. Rain at this zone is a strong possibility, leaving the trail muddy, soggy, and slippery. About mid-way, you will be served a welcome lunch and reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
   • The porters and other supporting casts will arrive at the campsite before you and set up the tents by you arrive. Water for washing and drinking will be prepared in the evening. Later in the evening, lunch will be served before you have an overnight stay and rest at the camp.

   Distance: 11km

   Habitat: Montane forest

   Time: 5 to 6 hours

2. Day 2: Machame Camp (3000m) - Shira Camp (3840m)

   • After a well-deserved breakfast, you will climb to the top of the forest for an hour or so and then two hours on a gentler slope in the moorland zone. After having lunch and a short rest, you’ll continue up to Shira Plateau through a rocky ridge. You’ll be able to see the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers as you head in an easterly direction. You’re now standing west of Kibo and will shortly reach Shira campsite at 3840 metres.

   Distance: 11km

   Habitat: Montane forest

   Time: 5 to 6 hours

3. Day 3: Shira cave (3840m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Barranco Camp (3950m)

   • The route then takes an east turn and enters a semi-desert and rocky environment which surrounds the Lava Tower at an altitude of (4630m). Walking for approximately 5 hours will get you there. This is by far the toughest day on the mountain, and around this point, some climbers report experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness like irritability, headaches, and breathlessness. The descent to Barranco Camp will take about 2 hours and offer excellent Western Breach and Breach Wall photography opportunities. The camp is located just below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall inside the valley, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait to prepare your dinner.

   Distance: 12km

   Habitat: Moorland

   Time: 6 to 8 hours

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) - Barafu (4550m)

   • Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary, and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand. The route, with its numerous ascents and descents, allows you a chance for further acclimatization before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge, you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take 4 to 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy while you have reached the campsite.

   Distance: 13km

   Habitat: Alpine desert

   Time: 6 to 8 hours

5. Day 5: Summit ascend) Barafu Camp (4550) ­- Uhuru Peak (5895m)

   • After sipping hot tea with snacks, you’ll start trekking at around midnight. With aid from a torchlight, you’ll climb the heavily screed surface of Kibo. Ascending for 5 to 7 hours in the dark will lead you to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging g portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (depending on the weather permit). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1 to 2 hours ascend to the summit. At Uhuru Peak (5895m), This point is known as the roof of Africa and from here, you’ll get to experience Kilimanjaro and all its glory and enjoy a view over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrations, you’ll descend the same route. Shortly before mid-day, you will arrive at Barafu Camp for your lunch. After a warm meal and a few hour's break, you’ll head towards Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where you’ll have dinner and well-earned rest.

   Distance: 20km

   Habitat: Alpine desert /stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest

   Time: 14 to 16 hours

6. Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)

   • The final descending of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after breakfast. You will indulge in a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 3 to 4 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your Mt. Kilimanjaro trekking certificate, and your transferring driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi, and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.

   Distance: 8km

   Habitat: Montane forest

   Time: 3 to 4 hours