Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, a charming town nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening, meet your professional mountain guide for a trek briefing and equipment check in preparation for your climb.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 3,026 m / 9,927 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll drive to Machame Gate, the starting point of your trek. Once registration is complete, your journey begins with a gentle but steady ascent through lush tropical rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and unique bird species. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon for your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 3,766 m / 12,355 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Today, the landscape shifts dramatically from dense jungle to heather-covered moorland. As you ascend, the views open up, offering glimpses of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau. Upon reaching Shira Camp, there may be time for a short acclimatization hike to explore the Shira Caves before settling in for the night.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,983 m / 13,066 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 5–8 hours

A challenging but rewarding day lies ahead. You’ll ascend to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,600 m (15,000 ft), a striking rock formation in the alpine desert. After lunch near the tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, home to the surreal “Garden of the Senecios” with its unique giant groundsel plants. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body acclimatize effectively.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu High Camp

Elevation: 4,645 m / 15,239 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–8 hours

The day begins with a thrilling scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, offering incredible views from the top. After a brief descent into the Karanga Valley for lunch, you’ll continue onward to Barafu Camp, your base before the summit push. Arrive by late afternoon to rest, eat a hot dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent.

Optional: Add an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp for a more relaxed itinerary and improved summit success.

Day 5: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp

Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,340 ft
Camp Elevation: 3,068 m / 10,065 ft
Distance: 17 km / 10 miles (5 km ascent + 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10–16 hours

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight under a sky full of stars. The trail to Stella Point is steep and physically demanding, but you’ll be rewarded with a sunrise like no other. Continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

Elevation: 1,650 m / 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Today’s descent takes you through lush rainforest as you make your way to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate. After a warm farewell from your trekking team, we’ll drive you back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and a well-earned night’s rest.

Day 7: Departure Day

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departure flight—or continue your adventure with a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach getaway. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to assist with post-climb travel planning!