Itinerary
- Day 1
Arusha/Moshi to Machame
You'll drive from Arusha or Moshi through the village of Machame to reach Machame Gate on the lower slopes. From there, the trek begins through rainforest on a winding trail that climbs up a ridge toward Machame Camp. The path can get muddy and slippery at this elevation, so bringing gaiters and trekking poles will make things easier. Over approximately 11km, you're climbing from 1830m to 3050m, which sets the pace for the next few days.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through rainforest on winding trail to Machame Camp
Landmarks/POIs Machame Gate Machame Camp - Day 2
Machame to Shira
After breakfast, you'll leave the rainforest behind and follow an ascending path across the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The trail turns west into a river gorge as you continue toward Shira campsite. Walking through moorland habitat, you're covering roughly 5km while climbing from 3050m to 3850m. This transition out of the forest marks a real change in landscape and how your body's adjusting to altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek across valley on steep rocky ridge to Shira campsite
Landmarks/POIs Shira Campsite - Day 3
Shira to Barranco
From Shira Plateau, you'll head east up a ridge passing the junction toward Kibo peak, then turn southeast toward the Lava Tower, locally called 'Shark's Tooth' at 4650m. After that, you'll pass another junction toward Arrow Glacier before descending to Barranco Camp. Though you end at roughly the same elevation you started, this day is really about your body adapting to the altitude rather than gaining a lot of height.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Shira Plateau to Lava Tower (Shark's Tooth)
- Descend to Barranco Camp
Landmarks/POIs Lava Tower (Shark's Tooth) Barranco Camp - Day 4
Barranco to Karanga Valley
Following breakfast, you'll leave Barranco and tackle the steep Barranco Wall as you climb a rocky ridge into Karanga Valley. You'll hit the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail while moving through alpine desert habitat. The climb covers about 5km, taking you from 4000m to 4050m. It's a shorter day in terms of distance, but the terrain is rocky and demands careful footing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley
Landmarks/POIs Barranco Wall Karanga Valley - Day 5
Karanga Valley to Barafu
You're now climbing up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit route that's given you views of the summit from various angles throughout your trek. Ascending from 4050m to 4700m through alpine desert, you'll cover the remaining distance to camp. Once there, the focus shifts to rest, a solid dinner, and mental preparation since summit day arrives tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Barafu Camp
Landmarks/POIs Barafu Camp - Day 6
Barafu to Summit and Mweka Camp
Starting very early (around midnight to 2am), you'll begin the final push toward the summit between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This section tests both your mind and body more than anything before it. You'll rest briefly at Stella Point to catch the sunrise over Africa, then continue another hour through snow to Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point on the continent. After celebrating at the summit, you'll descend back down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Summit Mount Kilimanjaro at Uhuru Peak
- Witness sunrise from Stella Point or summit
- Descend to Mweka Camp
Landmarks/POIs Uhuru Peak Stella Point Mweka Camp - Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, you'll complete the final descent down to Mweka Park Gate where your summit certificates wait. The lower trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles remain helpful on this section. Switch into shorts and a t-shirt while keeping rain gear and warmer layers accessible just in case. Your company vehicle will be ready at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Descend to Mweka Park Gate
- Receive summit certificate
Landmarks/POIs Mweka Park Gate
