Day 1 Arrive Tanzania
After clearing baggage claim and customs you are met by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Moshi Free Day
Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek, and we can arrange additional excursions such as:
- Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
- Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
- Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.
Join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide in the evening. Get a good night’s rest, as tomorrow you start off on the Mount Kilimanjaro climb!
Day 3 Begin Machame Trek
This morning you depart early and transfer just under an hour to the Machame Gate, from here start the day's hike. Trek through a thick mountain forest of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes as you gain approximately 4000 ft during the 6-8 hour hike. Camp will be set up when you arrive, so you can relax and enjoy your first camp dinner.
Camp altitude: 9843 ft
Hiking length: 6-8 hours
Hike Distance: 6 Miles
Day 4 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast the group sets off for another day of hiking. Start by traversing the moorland zone, while you take in views of Shira Platea and Mount Meru. After a quick rest continue up the rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. The altitude gain today means walking at a slower pace, so take the time to enjoy the views. Tonight dine and sleep at Shira Camp.
Camp altitude: 12,600 ft
Hiking length: 4-6 hours
Hike Distance: 5 Miles
Day 5 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Depart Shira Camp in the morning, hiking a gradual path towards Kibo Peak. Today the terrain shifts again to a semi dessert and rocky landscape. Today’s hike will be the most challenging yet. The effects of the altitude starting showing in breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. Once you reach Buttress point, descend down to Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Camp altitude: 13,000 ft
Hiking length: 6-8 hours
Hike Distance: 7.5 Miles
Day 6 Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
Cross the Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall this morning before heading across the scree and ridges where you will meet up with the South Circuit path and hike though the Karanga Valley. Karanga Valley is the last water stop on the route. Reach Karanga Valley camp by lunchtime today and have a chance to acclimate and rest before dinner.
Camp altitude: 13,105 ft
Hiking length: 5-6 hours
Hike Distance: 2.5 Miles
Day 7 Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp
Today make a slow ascent up a moraine ridge to Barafu camp. The hike is very steep and offer views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as well as of the southern glaciers and glacial valleys. Again, you should arrive by lunch time and it is important to familiarize yourself with the camp layout before dark, as it is situated on an exposed and dangerous ridge. Barafu is the Swahili word for ‘ice’ and tonight’s camp is in a bleak and inhospitable camping area. This evening rest and prepare for summit night.
Camp altitude: 15300 ft
Hiking length: 5-6 hours
Hike Distance: 2.5 Miles
Day 8 Summit to Mweka Camp
Your final push to the summit starts tonight at midnight! Tonight’s climb is one of the steepest on the non-technical paths of Kilimanjaro. It is a 6-7 hour hike to Stella Point (18,815 ft), but the sunrise that awaits you is a once-in-a-lifetime event. From Stella Point, hike one more hour to the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), be prepared, as most likely you will experience snow. After enjoying your accomplishment, descend down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest and your last dinner on the mountain.
Camp altitude: 10,065 Ft
Hiking length: 11-14 hours
Hike Distance: 9
Day 9 Return to Moshi
Today you complete your climbing experience with an easy walk (3-4 hours) back to the Mweka gate, where a waiting vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel. The evening is free to toast your incredible accomplishments of the previous week!
Day 10 Departure Day
Today you say goodbye to Tanzania with your summit certificate and memories in tow, or, continue on with a traditional Africa Safari or visit to Zanzibar.
Plan My Trip