Day 1: Machame Gate (1,640m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)

The trek starts with a scenic drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, taking about 1 hour. After registration at Kilimanjaro National Park, the hike begins through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and rich vegetation.

The trail is muddy and steep in places, with giant ferns and towering trees providing a cool and humid environment. After 5 to 7 hours, trekkers arrive at Machame Camp (2,835m), where they settle in for the night.

• Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Time: 5–7 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,195m (3,921 ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest trek
• Accommodation: Machame Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,850m)

The trek continues with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, where trees give way to giant heather, lobelias, and unique volcanic rock formations. The route crosses a rocky ridge before leading to the Shira Plateau, which provides breathtaking views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak.

Trekkers reach Shira Camp (3,850m) after 4 to 6 hours, where they relax, enjoy the stunning sunset, and spend the night under the starry African sky.

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Time: ~9 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,015m (3,330 ft)
• Highlights: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,976m)

This is a key acclimatization day, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low”. The trail leads to Lava Tower (4,630m), a striking volcanic rock formation where trekkers take a short rest before descending to Barranco Camp (3,976m).

The descent offers amazing views of the Western Breach and passes through the “Garden of the Senecios,” filled with giant groundsels. Although the day ends at almost the same elevation as the morning, it helps the body adjust to higher altitudes.

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Time: 6–8 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 780m (2,560 ft)
• Elevation Loss: 654m (2,145 ft)
• Highlights: Semi-Desert
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,976m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

The trek starts with a challenging climb up Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires some scrambling but rewards hikers with stunning views.

After reaching the top of the wall, the trail continues with a series of small ascents and descents before arriving at Karanga Camp (4,035m), which serves as another acclimatization point before the final ascent.

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Time: 4–5 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 59m (194 ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert Trek
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Trekkers continue the steep ascent towards Barafu Camp (4,673m), the final campsite before the summit attempt. The landscape here is barren and rocky, with little vegetation due to the harsh alpine desert climate.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, climbers rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push.

• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Time: 3–4 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 638m (2,093 ft)
• Elevation Loss: 2,175m (7,135 ft)
• Highlights: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The summit attempt begins at midnight. Trekkers slowly ascend through the dark, making their way up the steep switchbacks and scree slopes to Stella Point (5,756m), where they take a short break.

From here, it’s a final 1-hour push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Climbers witness a breathtaking sunrise over the glaciers, take photos, and celebrate their achievement.

After a short time at the summit, trekkers begin the long descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m), passing through Barafu Camp for a quick rest.

• Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
• Time: ~6 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,222m (4,009 ft)
• Elevation Loss: 2,795m (9,170 ft)
• Highlights: Arctic (Summit), Moorland (Descent)
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tents)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) to Moshi

The final day involves a gentle descent through the lush rainforest, where hikers may see colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and vibrant plant life.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers receive their summit certificates before returning to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Time: 5–7 Hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,460m (4,790 ft)
• Highlights: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch