DAY 1 – MACHAME CAMP

Start: 5,906 ft / 1,800 m
End: 9,302 ft / 2,835 m
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, you drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. Following registration at the gate and final preparations by the crew, the trek begins from Machame Gate. The trail winds through dense, verdant rainforest with some steep sections. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route before arriving at Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.

DAY 2 – SHIRA CAVE

Start: 9,302 ft / 2,835 m
End: 12,304 ft / 3,750 m
Distance: 3 miles / 5 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Climate Zones: Afromontane Forest / Heath

From Machame Camp, the trail climbs steadily toward the Shira Plateau. Altitude is gained quickly, but you arrive at camp in time for a hot lunch. As the forest thins, the landscape opens into the heath zone, where helichrysum and lobelia plants become prominent. Along the way, you encounter striking geological features including lava tubes and glacial valleys.

DAY 3 – BARRANCO CAMP

Start: 12,304 ft / 3,750 m
End: 12,796 ft / 3,900 m
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km
Time: 6–8 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Today follows the classic “walk high, sleep low” acclimatisation strategy. You ascend into the alpine desert to Lava Tower (15,092 ft / 4,600 m), where lunch is taken, before descending to Barranco Camp. Although a demanding day, this stage significantly improves acclimatisation and prepares you for the higher elevations ahead.

DAY 4 – KARANGA CAMP

Start: 12,796 ft / 3,900 m
End: 13,108 ft / 3,995 m
Distance: 3 miles / 5 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

From Barranco Camp—famous for its giant groundsel plants—you tackle the impressive Barranco Wall before traversing glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter trekking day, allowing ample time to rest and acclimatise. In the evening, a short summit practice walk helps ensure you are comfortable with your equipment.

DAY 5 – BARAFU CAMP

Start: 13,108 ft / 3,995 m
End: 15,332 ft / 4,673 m
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

A gradual ascent brings you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Lunch is served on arrival, leaving the afternoon free to rest and prepare. The environment here is stark and winds can be strong, but clear skies often provide magnificent views of Mawenzi. An early dinner is followed by rest ahead of summit night.

DAY 6 – SUMMIT DAY / MWEKA CAMP

Start: 15,332 ft / 4,673 m
End: 10,171 ft / 3,100 m
Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
Time: 14–16 hours
Climate Zones: Alpine Desert, Arctic, Heath

You begin the final ascent shortly before midnight. Moving steadily, you climb to Stella Point (18,865 ft / 5,750 m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m), reaching the summit around sunrise. After celebrating your achievement on the Roof of Africa, you descend back to Barafu Camp to rest and refuel before continuing down to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the long descent.

DAY 7 – RETURN TO ARUSHA

Start: 10,171 ft / 3,100 m
End: 5,381 ft / 1,640 m
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to the park gate. After bidding farewell to your mountain crew, you are transferred back to your lodge in Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest. Later in the evening, a Summits Africa representative will visit to congratulate you and assist with any onward travel arrangements.