Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Arusha

   • Arrive in Arusha and check into Ilboru Safari Lodge.

2. Day 2: Drive to Machame Route gate

   • From Arusha, drive to the Machame Route gate, also called the 'Whiskey Route.'
   • The Machame Park gate is a gentle climb through the original montane forest, carpeted in unique busy-Lizzie flowers, begonias, and ferns.
   • Camp among the giant heathers at 3000 m.

   Ascent of 1200 m with 5-6 hours of walking.

3. Day 3: Machame Gate to Shira Camp

   • Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3840 m.
   • Herds of eland (and the occasional lion) could be spotted up here.
   • The old volcanic caldera has fascinating geological features that can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon.

   Ascent of 840 m with 4 to 5 hours walking.

4. Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley

   • Climb towards the main peak Kibo from the Shira camp, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders.
   • Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for a mid-way camp at 3950 m.
   • Having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists in acclimatization.

   Total of 6 to 7 hours of walking with an ascent of 110 m.

5. Day 5: Barranco Valley to Barafu Hut

   • Climb up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of easy scrambling.
   • Drop down again to the Karanga Valley, where you take a break for lunch.
   • Hike on to Barafu Hut at 4600 m. 
   • Enjoy the fantastic views across the camp to the Mawenzi peak. 
   • Get adequate relaxation in preparation for the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

   Total of 7 to 8 hours of hiking with an ascend of 650 m.

6. Day 6: Barafu Hut to Kibo Point

   • We start climbing the steep frozen scree at 1 AM. This is unavoidable on any route, but we aim to go past Gilman’s Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for the sunrise.
   • Another 40 minutes, and you are at the highest point on the continent (Kibo - 5900 m).
   • Return through the Mweka descent route.

   Ascent of 1300 m with about 7 hours trek to the summit.

   2600 m descent with 6 to 7 hours trek to the Mweka campsite (3400 m) above Mweka gate. 

7. Day 7: Kibo Point to Mweka campsite

   • The Mweka campsite is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to the Mweka gate (depending on individual fitness).
   • Collect your certificates and return to Moshi for the night.