Itinerary

1. DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST

   • Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
   • Wait patiently for the permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
   • Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. 
   • At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. 

   Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
   Altitude gained: 1210m

2. DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND

   • After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. 
   • The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. 

   Temperatures begin to drop.

   Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
   Altitude gained: 818m

3. DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT

   • Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. 
   • From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before.
   • Continue South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). 
   • Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. 
   • Continue to descend for an overnight at Barranco Camp.

   Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
   Altitude gained: 147m

4. DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT

   • After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. 
   • Continue up toward Barafu Camp.
   • Once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers various breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • Enjoy an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. 

   Overnight at Barafu Camp.

   Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
   Altitude gained: 676m

5. DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

   Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

   • Continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. 
   • With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. 
   • From here on, you have just an hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak; encounter snow all the way.
   • Congratulations, one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
   • After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. 
   • Begin the steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. 

   Overnight Mweka Camp.

   Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
   Altitude gained: 1233m
   Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
   Altitude lost: 2789m

6. DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

   • After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. 
   • Continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
   • From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). 
   • Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.

   Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
   Altitude lost: 1473m