Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi – Pre-Climb Briefing

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in either Arusha or Moshi. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Moshi, nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day is dedicated to rest and preparation, including a thorough briefing by your guide on the climb ahead. You’ll review the route, discuss the challenges and expectations, and ensure all your gear is ready for the journey.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel, followed by some time to unwind and mentally prepare for the adventure that awaits. The night will be spent in the comfort of your hotel, allowing you to rest well before the climb begins.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Machame Gate, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet). Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process with the park authorities and meet the rest of your trekking team, including porters and cooks.

The trek begins with a gentle ascent through the lush rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flowers, and the sounds of exotic birds. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so proper footwear is essential. As you make your way through the forest, you may spot monkeys and other wildlife along the path.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll reach Machame Camp, located at 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). The camp is nestled in a clearing within the rainforest, providing a peaceful and sheltered spot for your first night on the mountain. After settling into camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest in your tent, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Elevation: 1,800 meters to 3,000 meters

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you climb, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the distant Kibo Peak. You’ll trek through open plains dotted with giant heathers, lobelias, and other unique plants adapted to the high-altitude environment.

The trail takes you up to the Shira Plateau, a vast, flat expanse that was once the floor of a massive volcanic crater. The views from the plateau are breathtaking, with the Kibo Peak rising in the distance and the plains of Tanzania stretching out below.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet). The camp is situated on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a restful night in your tent.

Elevation: 3,000 meters to 3,850 meters

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

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

Today’s trek is an essential part of the acclimatization process, as you’ll ascend to a higher altitude before descending to sleep at a lower elevation. After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek through the alpine desert, making your way towards the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet).

The climb to the Lava Tower is challenging due to the altitude, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Upon reaching the Lava Tower, you’ll take a break to rest and acclimatize. After spending some time at the Lava Tower, you’ll begin the descent to Barranco Camp, located at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet).

The descent takes you through the Barranco Valley, a stunning area filled with giant senecios and lobelias, with the towering cliffs of the Barranco Wall in the background. Barranco Camp is one of the most picturesque camps on the mountain, offering incredible views of the Western Breach and the Southern Icefields of Kibo. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the challenges of the following day. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a night of rest in your tent.

Elevation: 3,850 meters to 4,640 meters (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960 meters (Barranco Camp)

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trek begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb that involves some scrambling over rocks. The Barranco Wall, also known as the “Breakfast Wall,” is a steep, rocky slope that requires careful navigation, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Once you reach the top of the wall, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kibo Peak and the valleys below.

After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail becomes more gradual as you descend into the Karanga Valley. The landscape here is rugged and dramatic, with towering cliffs and deep gorges. You’ll cross several streams before reaching Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,238 feet).

Karanga Camp is the last water point before the summit, making it an essential stop for refilling your water bottles and resting before the final ascent. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a restful night in your tent.

Elevation: 3,960 meters to 4,035 meters

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you’ll leave Karanga Camp and continue your ascent towards Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. The trail is steep and rocky, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren and desolate as you approach the high-altitude zone. The air becomes thinner, and the temperatures drop, making this section of the trek particularly challenging.

Barafu Camp is located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet), perched on a rocky ridge with stunning views of the Kibo Peak and the Mawenzi Peak. The camp is named after the Swahili word for “ice,” reflecting the cold and harsh conditions at this altitude. After reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll settle in and rest, as the next day will begin very early for the summit attempt. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and you’ll retire to your tent for a few hours of sleep before the final push to the summit.

Elevation: 4,035 meters to 4,640 meters

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

The most challenging and rewarding day of the climb begins with a midnight wake-up call. After a quick snack, you’ll start the final ascent under the cover of darkness, using headlamps to light the way. The climb to the summit is steep and physically demanding, with the cold air and high altitude adding to the difficulty.

You’ll trek up the steep switchbacks of the final push to the crater rim, known as Stella Point, located at 5,730 meters (18,800 feet). After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll continue along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Reaching Uhuru Peak is a moment of triumph, and you’ll have time to take photos and celebrate your achievement before beginning the descent. The descent back to Barafu Camp is challenging, as the steep and rocky trail requires careful navigation. After a short rest at Barafu Camp, you’ll continue the descent to Mweka Camp, located at 3,080 meters (10,105 feet).

Mweka Camp offers a welcome respite after the long and grueling day. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy a hot meal, and