Itinerary

1. Day 1: Transfer from Hotel to Machame Camp

   • Drive from your hotel in Moshi to Machame Gate, which takes approximately one hour.

   • Pass through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

   • Begin the trek through lush rain forest on a winding trail that ascends steadily up a ridge.

   • Navigate potentially muddy and slippery terrain, especially at lower elevations; use gaiters and trekking poles for stability.

   • Arrive at Machame Camp and settle in for your first night on the mountain.

2. Day 2: Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

   • Eat breakfast and depart the rainforest, transitioning into heathland and moorland zones.

   • Follow an ascending path and cross a deep valley before climbing a steep rocky ridge.

   • Turn westward into a river gorge and continue trekking until you reach the Shira Plateau.

   • Arrive at Shira Camp and enjoy expansive views of the mountain landscape.

3. Day 3: Trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   • Begin the day heading eastward up a ridge toward the junction near Kibo Peak.

   • Ascend steadily toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation known as the "Shark’s Tooth" (elevation 4650 m / 15,250 ft).

   • Take time to rest and acclimatize at this high point before descending.

   • Continue to the second junction toward Arrow Glacier, then descend sharply into the Barranco Valley.

   • Reach Barranco Camp by evening; although elevation gain is minimal today, acclimatization is critical.

4. Day 4: Climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Eat breakfast and tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep and scenic rock face offering panoramic views.

   • Ascend the wall and traverse through several valleys and ridges.

   • Descend into the Karanga Valley, then climb again to reach Karanga Camp.

   • Join the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, the route used for descent.

5. Day 5: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Continue the steady ascent toward Barafu Camp, located in a barren alpine desert zone.

   • Complete the South Circuit, which provides striking views of the summit from different angles.

   • Arrive at Barafu Camp, rest, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

6. Day 6: Summit Attempt and Descent to Mweka Camp

   • Wake up around midnight to begin the summit ascent between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.

   • Move in a northwesterly direction, navigating heavy scree on the way to Stella Point (elevation 5756 m / 18,885 ft).

   • Rest briefly at Stella Point while witnessing an unforgettable sunrise over the African plains.

   • Continue for about one hour along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (elevation 5895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa.

   • Celebrate your summit achievement, then begin the descent by returning to Barafu Camp for lunch.

   • Descend further to Mweka Camp through loose gravel terrain; use trekking poles for balance.

   • Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your final night on the mountain.

7. Day 7: Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Hotel

   • Eat breakfast and continue your final descent through the montane forest.

   • Reach Mweka Gate, where you will receive summit certificates to commemorate your achievement.

   • Encounter potentially muddy trails; wear gaiters and keep trekking poles ready.

   • Dress in shorts and t-shirts at lower altitudes, but keep rain gear accessible.

   • Meet your vehicle at the gate and drive approximately 30 minutes back to your hotel in Moshi.