Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 5-7 hours

Itinerary Overview: The adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet), where you will complete registration formalities and meet your guides and porters. The trek starts through dense rainforest, characterized by towering trees, thick undergrowth, and an abundance of wildlife. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch along the way. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp (2,835 meters/9,301 feet), situated in a clearing in the forest. After setting up camp, dinner is served, and you’ll have your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 840 meters (2,756 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 4-6 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, the trek resumes, leaving the rainforest and entering the moorland zone. The path becomes steeper and narrower, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The vegetation changes to hardy shrubs and heathers. You’ll have a packed lunch en route and continue to Shira Camp (3,750 meters/12,303 feet). This camp is located on the Shira Plateau, providing stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Cathedral. After setting up camp and a hearty dinner, you’ll rest under the stars.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Altitude Gain: 740 meters (2,428 feet)
Altitude Loss: 660 meters (2,165 feet)
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Duration: 6-8 hours

Itinerary Overview: The day starts with breakfast and a gradual ascent to Lava Tower (4,640 meters/15,223 feet). This day is crucial for acclimatization as you climb high and sleep low. The landscape becomes more barren, with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. After a packed lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters/12,992 feet). This descent helps your body adjust to the altitude. The camp is located beneath the impressive Barranco Wall and offers spectacular views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 260 meters (853 feet)
Altitude Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 4-5 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, also known as the “Breakfast Wall.” This steep, rocky climb requires some scrambling but is manageable with the help of your guides. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier. The trail then undulates through the alpine desert, with a packed lunch along the way, before descending to Karanga Camp (4,035 meters/13,235 feet). This camp offers great acclimatization opportunities and beautiful views of the southern glaciers. Dinner and rest at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 605 meters (1,985 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a shorter but steep hike to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters/15,223 feet). The landscape becomes increasingly stark and windswept, with only hardy plants surviving in this harsh environment. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. A hot lunch is served at camp, followed by an early dinner and rest. You’ll be briefed on the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance to Uhuru Peak: 5 km (3 miles)
Distance to Mweka Camp: 12 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain to Uhuru Peak: 1,255 meters (4,117 feet)
Altitude Loss to Mweka Camp: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Duration: 12-16 hours

Itinerary Overview: The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to Stella Point is steep and involves navigating through scree and rocky terrain. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,739 meters/18,828 feet) at sunrise, you’ll take a short rest before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. The descent continues to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet) through the moorland and rainforest zones. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Altitude Loss: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet). This final leg of the trek is relatively easy and offers a chance to enjoy the lush surroundings. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete registration and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Additional Tips for a Successful Trek

1. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial. Follow the itinerary and take the optional acclimatization hikes seriously.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
3. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the mantra for Kilimanjaro.
4. Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right gear, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
5. Nutrition: Eat well and often. Your body needs fuel to manage the physical exertion and altitude.
6. Mental Preparation: The summit night is physically and mentally challenging. Stay positive and focused on your goal.