Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by representatives from the tour company who will transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. The lodge provides a comfortable setting for you to rest and acclimate to the surroundings. Later in the day, you’ll have a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your guide and fellow trekkers.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure at the Machame Gate, situated at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) above sea level. The first day involves a trek through the lush rainforest, an environment teeming with unique flora and fauna. As you ascend, the scenery transforms, and after 5-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Machame Camp at 2,835 meters (9,300 feet). This initial day allows you to ease into the trek and adjust to the altitude.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(2835m)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today’s journey takes you to Shira Camp, located at 3,750 meters (12,300 feet). The trail leads you above the tree line, offering panoramic views of the Shira Plateau. The altitude gain aids in acclimatization, an essential aspect of preparing for the summit. Expect a 4-6 hour hike, surrounded by the alpine desert landscape.

• Overnight: Shira Camp(3750metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-6 hours

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The trek continues through the high desert as you make your way to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,960 feet). A highlight of the day is navigating the Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable climb that adds an element of adventure to the journey. The total hiking time is approximately 5-7 hours, with the Barranco Wall providing an exhilarating challenge.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(3,950metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s route takes you to Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters (13,106 feet). The relatively short 4-5 hour hike allows for a more relaxed pace, giving your body additional time to acclimatize. The picturesque scenery includes stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the expansive mountain landscape.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(3995metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Prepare for the final ascent as you hike to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). This challenging day involves navigating steep trails, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the summit. Arriving at Barafu Camp, take the afternoon to rest and mentally prepare for the summit push. The hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(4,640m)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (summit) and then to Mweka Camp

The most challenging and rewarding day begins with a midnight start for the summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The ascent takes around 11-15 hours, providing an opportunity to witness the sunrise over the vast African plains. After reaching the summit, descend to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) for a well-deserved rest, covering approximately 4-6 hours.

• Overnight: Mweka Camp(3080metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 11-15 hours

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Conclude your trek with a descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet). The descent takes about 3-4 hours, and at the gate, collect your summit certificates. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can reflect on your achievement and celebrate the successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Overnight: Lodge/Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Pre-Climb Briefing and Gear Check

Arrive in Moshi, and after settling into your accommodation, partake in a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Your guide will provide crucial information about the upcoming trek, including safety procedures, the daily itinerary, and expectations. The gear check ensures you have all necessary equipment, from proper clothing to essential climbing gear.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Drive to Londorossi Gate and complete park formalities before entering the lush rainforest. Begin your trek, surrounded by towering trees and a rich variety of plant and bird life. As you ascend, catch glimpses of wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for a tranquil night amidst the sounds of the rainforest.

• Altitude: 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) to 2,750 meters (9,022 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. Marvel at the expansive Shira Plateau, with its sweeping views. The hike provides opportunities to spot unique flora, including the giant lobelia. Shira 1 Camp, your destination, offers a picturesque setting with views of Mount Meru in the distance.

• Altitude: 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) to 3,505 meters (11,500 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Shira 1 Camp
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Continue across the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert with otherworldly landscapes. En route to Shira 2 Camp, you’ll witness the dramatic shift in scenery, with rugged terrain and volcanic rock formations. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

• Altitude: 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Shira 2 Camp
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Trek to Lava Tower (4,630 meters/15,190 feet), a significant point for acclimatization. The towering rock formation offers breathtaking views. Descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the stunning Great Barranco Wall. This challenging day combines adventure with the opportunity to acclimate to higher altitudes.

• Altitude: 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) to 3,960 meters (12,992 feet) (with ascent to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters/15,190 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Barranco Camp
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Conquer the renowned Barranco Wall, a thrilling climb that adds an element of excitement to the trek. The trail then leads to Karanga Camp, nestled in a valley with remarkable views of the surrounding peaks. The shorter hiking day allows for additional acclimatization and relaxation.

• Altitude: 3,960 meters (12,992 feet) to 3,995 meters (13,106 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Karanga Camp
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend to Barafu Camp, your base for the final push to the summit. The landscape transforms into an alpine desert as you gain altitude. Spend the afternoon preparing for the summit attempt and savor the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys.

• Altitude: 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Barafu Camp
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (summit) and then to Mweka Camp

Embark on the summit attempt in the early hours, trekking through the night to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The summit offers unparalleled views of the African plains and glaciers. Descend to Mweka Camp, where you can reflect on your achievement and rest after an intense day.

• Altitude: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) (Uhuru Peak) to 3,080 meters (10,105 feet)
• Overnight Camp: Mweka Camp
• Summit Hike Time: 11-15 hours;
• Descent Time: 4-6 hours

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Collect your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi. Reflect on the incredible journey and celebrate your accomplishments.

• Altitude: 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours