Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro
You'll land at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your guide meets you for the drive to Aishi Machame Hotel. The drive takes you to the base of the mountain, and once you get there, a manager will walk through what's ahead on the expedition. Check-in happens from 2:00 PM onward, so you'll have time to settle and prepare for the days to come.
- Start point
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Airport pickup and transfer to Aishi Machame Hotel
Landmarks/POIs Kilimanjaro International Airport - Day 2
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your guide arrives early for a final briefing about the trek ahead. From there, you head to Machame Gate on the southwestern side of Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration and paperwork, the actual trekking starts through rainforest toward Machame Camp. This first day at altitude requires you to follow the guidelines your guide gives you, so take it at a steady pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Machame Gate (1,800 m)
- Trek through rainforest to Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Landmarks/POIs Machame Gate Kilimanjaro National Park - Day 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp with Acclimatization Hike
From Machame Camp, you trek through rainforest and gradually move into the alpine zone as you make your way to Shira Camp. The landscape opens up with plateau views around you. After lunch and a rest period, your guide takes you on an acclimatization walk toward Lava Tower. This helps your body start adjusting to the thinner air you'll encounter higher up.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,845 m)
- Acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp
Landmarks/POIs Shira Plateau Lava Tower - Day 4
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower is the hardest part of today with steep climbs and descents that require steady effort. Lunch happens at Lava Tower itself at 4,630 m/15,190 ft, which helps you spend time at altitude. Then you descend to Barranco Camp where the massive Barranco Wall comes into view, towering above the campsite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Lava Tower (4,630 m))
Included Activities
- Trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630 m)
- Trek from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Landmarks/POIs Lava Tower Barranco Wall - Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp with Acclimatization Hike
You'll get up early to tackle Barranco Wall before other climbers get there. It's not technically hard and takes roughly an hour to scramble up. From the top, the trek to Karanga Camp involves several ups and downs throughout the day. After lunch at camp, you do another acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp and then return to rest and prepare your gear.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Climb Barranco Wall
- Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
- Acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp
Landmarks/POIs Barranco Wall Kibo Volcano - Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp with Acclimatization Hike
The trek to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m/15,223 ft is your final stop before the summit attempt. Your crew sets things up ahead so you can rest right when you arrive. Later, you head out on an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Camp and back to camp. Spend the remainder of the day sleeping and mentally preparing for the midnight departure to the peak.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
- Acclimatization hike to Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) and return
Landmarks/POIs Kosovo Camp - Day 7
Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you leave Barafu Camp for the final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m/19,341 ft. Each team of two climbers gets a personal guide who watches over your condition and helps you through the climb. Reaching the summit brings a profound sense of achievement with views across the mountain. After time at the top, you return to Barafu for lunch, then continue down to Millennium Camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Barafu Camp after descent from summit)
Included Activities
- Summit push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
- Descent from Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
Optional Activities
- 20-minute trek down to nearest glacier (optional, weather dependent)
- Approximately 3-hour trek to crater (optional for experienced climbers, requires guide approval and separate group, traditionally rewarded with extra gratuity)
Landmarks/POIs Uhuru Peak - Day 8
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
You wake in the tropical rainforest section of the mountain after the summit night. Breakfast happens at camp before you trek down to Mweka Gate where you exit the park. Back at the hotel, you receive your certificates and join the crew for celebrations. This is when the traditional tipping ceremony takes place with your guides and porters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trek from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
- Return transfer to hotel
- Commemorative certificate presentation
- Tipping ceremony
Landmarks/POIs Mweka Gate - Day 9
Departure
Spend the day resting at the hotel before heading to the airport. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If your flight leaves later and you need more time, the hotel can arrange a late check-out for an additional fee, giving you a chance to clean up and relax after the trek.
Included Activities
- Return transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Optional Activities
- Late hotel check-out (available for extra fee)
Landmarks/POIs Kilimanjaro International Airport
