Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Trek Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. After check-in, meet your mountain guide for a detailed pre-trek briefing and equipment check. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight at a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate – Hike to Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 1,210 m | Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Machame Gate (1,800 m) where registration takes place. Your trek begins with a hike through lush rainforest, surrounded by towering fig trees, ferns, and rich biodiversity. The trail ascends gradually to Machame Camp, where you’ll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840 m)
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours | Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 830 m | Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily through heath and moorland, offering incredible views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. Today’s hike is shorter but steeper. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, giving you time to acclimatize and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the mountain.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: +790 m / -670 m
Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert
This is an essential acclimatization day. The trail ascends to the Lava Tower at 4,630 m for lunch, where you’ll experience high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly helps with acclimatization. The descent to Barranco offers stunning views and the towering Barranco Wall ahead.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 75 m | Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Start the day by ascending the dramatic Barranco Wall — a thrilling scramble that requires no technical climbing but rewards you with jaw-dropping views. After conquering the wall, the trail becomes easier as you traverse glacial valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp, your base for the night. This shorter day is excellent for rest and acclimatization before summit push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 605 m | Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After a relaxed morning, you’ll continue upward to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail is tough but steady, and you’ll arrive in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear. After an early dinner, you’ll sleep for a few hours before the midnight wake-up call for your final ascent.
Day 7: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours | Distance: 17 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255 m / -2,795 m
Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Moorland
Around midnight, begin your summit push under the stars. The trail is steep and physically demanding, passing Stella Point (5,756 m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to Moshi, where a hot shower, celebratory meal, and comfortable bed await. Overnight at your hotel in Moshi.