Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

   • Walking Time: 6-7 hours

   • Distance: 9 km

   • Altitude Gain: 1,200m/3,935ft

   • Wake up refreshed and invigorated for the first leg of your journey. After enjoying a warm breakfast, you will depart from your hotel to the Machame Gate.

   • The drive takes you off the beaten path through scenic coffee plantations and local villages.

   • At the park gate, you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities while your team prepares.

   • Embark on a hike through tropical rainforest and savannah terrain. Experience moss-covered timbered underpasses and catch glimpses of rare wildlife.

   • The trek ends at Machame Camp, where your porters and cooks will prepare a hot, steaming meal.

2. Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

   • Walking Time: 4-6 hours

   • Distance: 7 km

   • Altitude Gain: 840m/2,760ft

   • Enjoy a hearty breakfast and pack your gear for another day of adventure.

   • Cross the damp heathland and temperate moorland dunes, moving across rolling savannah with Heather and Erica plains.

   • Scramble across boulders and volcanic rocks before reaching the Shira Plateau.

   • Continue your ascent to Shira Camp where you will spend the night. Your porters will prepare a delicious meal in anticipation of your arrival.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

   • Walking Time: 6-7 hours

   • Distance: 10 km

   • Altitude Gain: 690m/2,264ft

   • Start early and hike eastward towards the Shira Plateau, crossing the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes.

   • Take a break before continuing towards Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug.

   • Descend rapidly towards Barranco Camp, nestled in the Great Barranco Valley, surrounded by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif.

   • After your descent, enjoy a warm meal and settle into camp for the night.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley Camp (4,040m/13,250ft)

   • Walking Time: 3-4 hours

   • Distance: 6 km

   • Altitude Gain: 90m/295ft

   • Begin your day with a climb up the eastern wall of the Barranco Gorge, known as the Breakfast Wall.

   • After conquering the wall, continue along the trail to reach the Karanga Valley.

   • This is a shorter, yet thrilling day of exploration, filled with amazing scenery.

   • Settle at Karanga Valley Camp to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

5. Day 5: Karanga Valley Camp (4,040m/13,250ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

   • Walking Time: 3-4 hours

   • Distance: 4 km

   • Altitude Gain: 560m/1,837ft

   • After a peaceful start, begin a gradual ascent through the Karanga Valley.

   • Continue upward along the smooth ridge and set up camp on an exposed section of the ridge.

   • The temperature drops, and vegetation becomes sparse as you near Barafu Camp, where you will rest and prepare for your midnight ascent to the summit.

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

   • Walking Time: 14-16 hours

   • Distance: 19 km

   • Altitude Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet)

   • Altitude Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)

   • Start your ascent shortly after midnight, making your way to Stella Point, while a spectacular sunrise illuminates the summit.

   • Celebrate reaching Uhuru Peak, the rooftop of Africa, and enjoy the magnificent views over the glaciers and surrounding landscape.

   • After taking in the moment, begin your descent to Barafu Camp, then proceed to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

   • Enjoy a hot meal and rest beneath the stars.

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Moshi

   • Walking Time: 3-4 hours

   • Distance: 10 km

   • Altitude Gain: 1,600m/5,250ft

   • Enjoy a leisurely morning walk from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, soaking in the morning mist and the lush green forest surroundings.

   • Bid farewell to your guides and porters as you reach the gate, and then transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.

   • Upon arrival, enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, a comfortable mattress, and a celebratory dinner.

   • If you are continuing on a safari, we will make the necessary arrangements for your next adventure.