Itinerary Details

Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will greet you to drive you to you where you will attend a team-briefing on the climb and have an individual gear check.

Overnight: Lodge

Note: 3 group transfers are arranged. Timings will be advised in due course.

Distance: 10 km/ Altitude gain: +1,190m/ Time: 6 hours

Today after breakfast you will be driven from the hotel to the Machame Gate where you sign in and get a permit to start climbing. There, you will join the climbing crew, and together you begin your trek. Your guide will tell you exactly what to expect on each day: the weather prediction, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. While you hike, do not hesitate to ask your guide to point out any special features that might interest you.

Machame Camp

Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up the tents and prepare hot drinks for you. When the sun sets, it gets colder, and you will need to dress warmly, also using your headlamps.

Distance: 7km/ Altitude gain: + 740m/ Time: 4 hours

Today is an easy-paced acclimatization day. You will continue your hiking through streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. The camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large, tenacious, sand lobelias that grow at this elevation.

Shira Camp

This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. This location displays vast prairies and bushes, which you will find regrouped to face the cold and wind. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars, and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.

Distance: 10km/ Altitude gain: +930m/ Altitude loss:-700m/Time: 5 hours

Today is another acclimatization day. You will hike to an elevation of 4570 meters before descending to your camp. The hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours. You will pass by the Lava Tower which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to the alpine zone where the only living plant is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You will ascend through the moorlands to the alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru: the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views,the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

Distance: 5 km/ Altitude gain: + 400m/Altitude loss-355m/ Time: 4 hours

The slope is steep, so, once you climb, you will enjoy wonderful views of the area. The wall may seem mischievous, but never mind: it is the beginning of the day, and you are full of energy! Moreover, the landscape is so beautiful that you will really enjoy this trail towards the wall’s summit (which you are expected to reach in less than two hours). Once at the top, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break, you will start to descend in a desert landscape as far as the Karanga valley. Then the vegetation is back again offering a stunning contrast. The water that runs at the bottom of the valley will be your last source of water until Kibo, Kilimanjaro's top. Here lies the last difficulty of the day: a steep, rocky wall that you need to climb. Twenty minutes later you reach Karanga camp... set in the clouds.

Camp Karanga

Karanga camp is located in the Karanga valley, below Heim, Kersten & Decken Glaciers.

Distance: 5km/ Altitude gain: +655 m/ Time: 4 hours

Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep but challenging for some people. Your trip leader will make this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Heim Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as you gradually approach Barafu. You are going to climb slowly and slowly and slowly, at a snail-pace. Remember to drink plenty of water and tea and eat small snacks. Keep breathing and keep moving. After an early dinner, you will rest. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

You will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a well-deserved dinner cooked by our chef on site.

Distance: 20 km/Altitude gain: +1.290m/ Altitude loss: - 2,827m/ Time: 14 hours

At midnight you will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. Today is the big day: you are going to complete some serious achievements and goals. After hiking for six to eight hours, you will stand on the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and this will bring new perspectives into your life. The time you will be able to spend on the top of Africa for pictures and videos will depend on the weather. Your descent will take approximately three hours, and you will have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, you will proceed towards Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!

Mweka Camp

You shall spend your last night on the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 2,700 meters lower than the summit. This will be the time to celebrate your victory!

Distance: 16km/ Altitude loss: -1,418m/ Time: 4 hours

Today is your last hike. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your last picnic lunch. You will then be taken to the hotel for a hot shower and dinner.

You will have one last day to relax under the sun of Africa. Those of you who depart on this day: you will be driven to the airport where we will say Goodbye. Those of you who would like to see more of Tanzania: we would be glad to take you to some of the most amazing national parks. Alternatively, we can arrange a few relaxing days on the spice island of Zanzibar.

Note: 3 group transfers are arranged. Timings will be advised in due course.