Itinerary

1. Day 0: Arrival

   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our shuttle driver, who will take you to your hotel in Arusha city. We are staying at Arusha Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, a beautiful hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and a perfect place to set you up for adventure. We meet in the evening at 5:30 p.m. for a preliminary briefing and a check of the equipment. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate compulsory health insurance and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa.

2. Day 1: Machame Gate

   The ascent starts from Machame Gate (1830m), and we walk through the lush slopes of Kilimanjaro. As you slowly increase the altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame refuge, 3000 meters above sea level. On a clear day, we can get a closer look at the Kibo Glacial Dome for the first time, evening clouds permitting.

   Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m): 6-7 hours of walking.

3. Day 2: Machame Camp

   A shorter day climbing a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as the Picnic site, and further, a gentler climb through the lower alpine moor, known for its gorgeous alpine wildflowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
   Machame Hut at Shira Camp (3,840m); 4-6 hours of walking.

4. Day 3: Shira Camp In Barranco Valley

   Today, we walk uphill and view panoramic views. We cross the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, pass under the Lava Tower and the last part of the Western Breach, and after a hot lunch, we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.).
   Shira Camp in Barranco Valley (3900 m.): 5-7 hours of walking.

5. Day 4: Barranco Camp

   Our day begins by descending to the start of the Great Barranco, a huge canyon. We then descend steeply to the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo. It is a climb on rocks, not technical but long and tiring. Below the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head into the Karanga Valley. From here, we have a steep climb up the Karanga Valley to our overnight camp at Karanga Camp at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will do an acclimatization hike to around 4200m in the afternoon before returning to camp for the night.     

6. Day 5: Karanga Camp

   After breakfast at camp, we take a steep climb from Karanga and an easy path over compacted scree with stunning views across this barren, empty landscape to Barafu Camp. Both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at camp, we spend the rest of the day resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early evening hike to the summit. 

   Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7 to 9 hours of walking.

7. Day 6: Barafu Camp To Top

   Waking up before midnight in the dark. We begin a steep climb up loose volcanic scree slopes with some well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the edge of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those still feeling good can slowly continue the two-hour round trip from here along the rim of the crater to the main peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your results, we go to Barafu. It is incredibly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for refreshments. We continue to go down to reach Mweka Camp.

   Barafu Camp to Top to Mweka Camp (3100m): 13-15 hours of walking.

8. Day 7: Descent

   A gentle stroll takes us through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their best certificates. After lunch, we return to Arusha Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa for dinner and overnight. 

   Mweka Camp at Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours of hiking.