Itinerary

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Your trekking gear will be checked, and you will receive expert advice on any missing items. A full briefing on routes, safety procedures, and itinerary will prepare you for the trek. Enjoy a stroll in Moshi town to experience local culture, cuisine, and shops

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

A scenic 45-minute drive brings you to Machame Gate to start your trek. Enter the rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and mossy trees. Trek along streams and gentle ridges to reach Machame Camp. Relax in your tent, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and share stories around the campfire.

Elevation: 1,800 m → 2,850 m
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and head into the heather and heather zones after a filling meal. Trek across little streams, traverse gently sloping peaks, and take in distant views of the unspoiled Shira Plateau. See unusual mountain flora like delicate and huge grasses, and listen to your guides tell you interesting tales about the fauna and geology of Kilimanjaro. With breathtaking views of the Western Breach and glaciers, Shira 2 Camp is waiting for you. On cold nights, meals and evening snacks keep you warm.

Elevation: 2,850 m → 3,750 m
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Heather Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

The highest point of acclimation is today. Enjoy an early lunch amidst stunning volcanic scenery as you hike steadily toward the impressive Lava Tower (4,650 m). Pass picturesque valleys and towering rocks as you climb into Barranco Valley. With expansive views of the plains below, Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the famous Barranco Wall. This is a great time to take pictures and think back on your experience thus far. Dinner and evening snacks give you the vital energy you need to face the demands of the following day.

Elevation: 3,750 m → 4,650 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

With your trekking leaders delivering safe guidance, start with the breathtaking climbing of the the Barranco Wall. Once the wall has been conquered, make a gentle descent into the Karanga Valley. Beautiful views of Kibo's southern glaciers can be seen as the trek continues up alpine ridges. The ideal location for resting, drinking water, and getting ready for the approach to Barafu Camp is Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,000 m
Distance: 6 km / 3.6 mi
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, leave Karanga and make your way up to Barafu Camp (4,600 m). Savor expansive vistas of the far-off mountains and snowy desert as you travel. Reach the final destination before summit night, Barafu Camp. Before you relax, get your equipment ready, drink plenty of water, and eat dinner early. For the summit attempt, the guides will give a thorough briefing.

Elevation: 4,000 m → 4,600 m
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

The day of the summit begins just after midnight. Walk under a blanket of stars in the dark. See a breathtaking sunrise over the clouds by reaching Stella Point before sunrise and continuing on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp for overnight. Tell the mountain crew about your achievement and share your stories.

Elevation: 4,600 m → 5,895 m → 3,090 m
Distance: 5 km ascent / 13 km descent
Walking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Ice-capped, Stone Scree, Heather & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

See Colobus monkeys and unique birds as you descend through the beautiful highland forest. Arrive at Mweka Gate, pick up summit credentials, and thank the porters, chefs, and guides. Proceed to Moshi to unwind and celebrate while thinking back on the incredible adventure.

Elevation: 3,090 m → 1,680 m
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meals on the Mountain

Breakfast: Toast (with honey, jam, or butter), French toast, pancakes, eggs (scrambled, fried, omelet), sausages, bacon, cooked vegetables, fresh seasonal fruits, cereals, tea, coffee, cocoa, and juice.
Lunch: Cold meat, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, eggs, fruits, French fries or chips, tea, coffee, cocoa, juice.
Dinner: Soups (carrot, cucumber, pumpkin), pasta, rice, vegetables (stewed, boiled, steamed, or curried), proteins (beef, chicken, roasted, stewed, or curried), potatoes (mashed, boiled, fried), corned beef + cabbage, fresh fruits, tea, coffee, cocoa.

Package Includes

All park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT
Professional mountain guides, cooks & porters
3 meals daily on the mountain
4-season mountain tents with sleeping mats
Purified drinking water throughout the trek
Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeter
Hot water for washing on the mountain
Pre & post trek hotel accommodation in Moshi
2-way airport transfers
Fair wages for mountain crew (as per KINAPA & KIATO standards)

Package Excludes

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for crew (highly recommended)
Personal climbing gear
Laundry services
Items of personal nature

What to Bring

Proper hiking boots
Warm layered clothing
Down jacket & thermal wear
Gloves & hat
Headlamp
Daypack
Personal medications
Reusable water bottle

Important Information

Duration: 7 trekking days
Summit altitude: 5,895 m
High level of fitness required
8-day option recommended for better acclimatization
Weather conditions may affect summit success

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES