Itinerary

1. Days 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

   • The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. 
   • The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

2. Days 2 - Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

   • We leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge.
   • On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

3. Days 3 - Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   • From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. 
   • As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower called the “Shark s Tooth.” 
   • Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. 
   • We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. 
   • You end the day at the same elevation as when you started; this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

4. Days 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Today's route is to scale the Barranco Wall. Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount, and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it is. 
   • The trail continues with many up-and-down sections, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing, and stopping for lunch in the Karanga Valley. After lunch, there will be another 2 3 hours climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4640 m). Tonight, drink a lot of fluids, try to eat and go to bed early to rest enough before tomorrow. 

5. Days 5 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

   • We begin our push to the summit early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. 
   • The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. 
   • At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
   • Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. 
   • After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. 
   • Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

6. Days 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   • On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. 
   • At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. 
   • From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. 
   • A conveyance will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.