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, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day is dedicated to resting and preparing for the climb, including a thorough briefing by your guide on the route, challenges, and expectations. You’ll also check and organize your gear to ensure everything is in order.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel and take some time to mentally prepare for the challenging trek ahead. The night will be spent in the comfort of your hotel, ensuring you are well-rested before the climb begins.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Umbwe Gate, located at an altitude of 1,640 meters (5,380 feet). Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process with the park authorities and meet your trekking team, including porters and cooks.

The trek begins with a steep ascent through the dense rainforest, where the trail is narrow, winding, and often muddy. The rainforest is alive with sounds, and you may spot monkeys, birds,and other wildlife. The path is steep and challenging from the start, setting the tone for the days to come.

After several hours of intense trekking, you’ll arrive at Umbwe Camp, located at 2,930 meters (9,610 feet). The camp is situated in a clearing within the forest, providing a tranquil 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: 1,640 meters to 2,930 meters

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind as you enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed, with the landscape gradually opening up to reveal breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks.

As you climb higher, you’ll traverse ridges and cliffs, with the towering cliffs of the Barranco Wall coming into view. The route becomes more rugged, and the terrain more challenging as you approach Barranco Camp, located at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet).

Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, situated in a valley surrounded by the towering cliffs of the Barranco Wall and the snowy peaks of Kibo. After settling into camp, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a night of rest in your tent.

Elevation: 2,930 meters to 3,960 meters

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: 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 is steep and requires careful navigation, but the views from the top are spectacular, with the Kibo Peak rising in the distance.

Once you reach the top of 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 5: 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 6: 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 sleep soundly in your tent.

Elevation: 4,640 meters to 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,080 meters (Mweka Camp)

Distance: 17 km

Hiking Time: 12-15 hours

Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha/Moshi

After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure, descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The trail takes you through the lush rainforest, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the necessary check-out procedures with the park authorities. You’ll then receive your summit certificates, a testament to your incredible achievement.

A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After the long and challenging journey, you’ll have the chance to relax, shower, and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb. Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you can share stories of your adventure with fellow trekkers.

Elevation: 3,080 meters to 1,640 meters

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest