After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive to Machame Gate, located at 1,800 meters (5,905ft). Once the formalities are complete, the trek begins through lush rainforest, where you may spot colobus and blue monkeys amid dense foliage. You’ll climb steadily for 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) over 5 to 7 hours, ending the day at Machame Camp at 3,000 meters (9,842ft).
- Altitude: 1,800m/5,905ft to 3,000m/9,842ft
- Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The day begins with a steeper climb, as you leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. Over the next 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), you’ll ascend to 3,840 meters (12,600ft), with Kibo Peak emerging into view as you reach Shira Camp. This 4 to 6-hour trek is shorter but involves steady elevation gain, offering spectacular vistas.
- Altitude: 3,000m/9,842ft to 3,840m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
- Accommodation: Shira Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is an acclimatization day, involving a climb to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190ft) before descending to Barranco Camp. The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) journey takes 6 to 8 hours and passes through a semi-desert landscape, where you’ll encounter fascinating high-altitude flora. The descent to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters (12,992ft) is key to proper acclimatization.
- Altitude: 3,840m/12,600ft to 4,630m/15,190ft (Lava Tower), then descend to 3,960m/12,992ft
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, the trek begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable scramble that leads to expansive views across the Karanga Valley. The trail then weaves through ridges and valleys, crossing 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) over 4 to 5 hours before reaching Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,238ft).
- Altitude: 3,960m/12,992ft to 4,035m/13,238ft
- Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is an acclimatization day at Karanga Camp. You’ll take short hikes in the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. This day is essential for improving your chances of success on the summit. Relax, enjoy the views, and prepare for the next stages.
- Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft
- Distance: Minimal hiking for acclimatization
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a restful day, you’ll continue your ascent, trekking 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) over 3 to 4 hours to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223ft). Positioned on a rocky ridge, Barafu is the base for your final summit attempt. Prepare gear and rest early for the midnight climb.
- Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
- Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The final ascent begins at midnight, taking you first to Stella Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341ft). After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,110 meters (10,204ft), covering 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) in 10 to 15 hours.
- Altitude: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,110m/10,204ft
- Distance: 17km (10.6 miles)
- Trekking Time: 10-15 hours
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On your last trekking day, descend 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over 3 to 4 hours through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Our team will then transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha to celebrate and unwind.
- Altitude: 3,110m/10,204ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After a restful night, you’ll transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast included
