Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp.

Elevation: from 1830 meters/6000 feet to 3050 meters/9950 feet

11 km/7 mi in distance

Length of Climb: 6-7 hours

Habitat: Forest of Montane

You will be transported to Machame Village after eating breakfast at your accommodation, where your porters and guides will pack and prepare your supplies and equipment. Following paperwork, the journey begins and passes via the settlement of Machame, which is situated on the mountain’s lower slopes.

We leave the park entrance and take a twisting route up a ridge through the rain forest. The route may be slick and muddy at lower altitudes. In this case, hiking poles and gaiters are an excellent option. After a little while, we arrive at the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: from 3050 meters/9950 feet to 3850 meters/12,600 feet

Distance: 3 miles/5 kilometers

Time Spent Walking: 4-5 hours

Moorland is the habitat.

Following breakfast, we depart from the rain forest’s glades and proceed uphill, across the valley on a precipitous rocky slope. After there, the path heads west into a ravine formed by a river, leading to the Shira camp.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Shira Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: from 3850 meters/12,600 feet to 4000 meters/13,000 feet

Distance: 6 miles/10 kilometers

Walking Duration: 6-7 hours

Ecosystem: Semi-arid

We go eastward from the Shira Plateau, climbing a hill and reaching the intersection that leads to Kibo’s peak. As we go, we turn to the southeast in the direction of the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” because of its elevation of 4,650 meters (15,250 feet). We reach the second intersection, leading to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. Moving further, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Even though the day ends at around the same height as it started, this day is crucial for acclimatization since it will assist your body get ready for summit day.

Day 4: Camp Barranco – Camp Karanga

Elevation: from 4000 meters/13,250 feet to 4050 meters/13,250 feet

Distance: 3 miles/5 kilometers

Length of Climb: 34 hours

Alpine Desert as a habitat

Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall over a difficult slope to reach the Karanga Valley and the intersection with the Mweka Trail.

Day 5: Barafu – Karanga Camp

Elevation: from 4050 meters/13,250 feet to 4700 meters/15,350 feet

Distance: 2 miles and 4 kilometers

Length of Climb: 3–4 hours

Alpine Desert as a habitat

Up to the Barafu Camp, we go. The South Circuit, which provides a variety of perspectives of the summit, is now complete. Here, we set up camp, relax, eat dinner, and get ready for the day of the summit.

Day 6: Summit of Barafu Camp and descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 5895 meters/19,340 feet to 4700 meters (15,350 feet)

To 3090 meters/10,150 feet

Distance: 13 km/8 km down and 5 km/3 mi up

The climbing time is five to six hours up and down.

Habitat: Ice-capped peak and stone scree

We go to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers between midnight and two in the morning. You make your way to Stella Point on the crater rim by heading northwest and climbing over dense scree. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally. You will pause for a little rest at Stella Point, where you will be treated to the most spectacular dawn you have probably ever seen. Those that walk more quickly can see the dawn from the top.

On your one-hour journey to the peak from Stella Point, snow may be encountered the entire time. You have arrived at the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak!

We start our descent from the peak by going straight down to the Mweka Camp, with a lunch break at Barafu. Trekking poles and gaiters can be useful on the loose gravel descent. Upon reaching Mweka Camp, we relish our final night on the peak.

Day 7: Drive to Arusha from Mweka Camp via Mweka Gate

Elevation: from 3090 meters (10,150 feet) to 1680 meters (5,500 feet)

Distance: 6 miles/10 kilometers

Length of Climb: 3–4 hours

Forest as a habitat

You will enjoy a short, beautiful trek down to the park gate after a well-earned breakfast. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful since lower-elevation rainforest hiking pathways are frequently muddy and rainy. On your trek, have rain gear and warmer clothing ready, but shorts and t-shirts should be plenty. Since you will be leaving your guides, cook, and porters at the gate, don’t forget to tip them.

At Mweka Gate, you will get your summit certificates after signing your name at the register. Gold certificates are awarded to climbers who reach Uhuru Peak, while green awards are given to those who reach Stella Point. After enjoying a delectable lunch in Mweka Village, you’ll be brought back to Arusha for a much-needed hot shower and a restful night.