Itinerary
- Day 1
Machame Camp
Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure starts at Machame Gate early in the morning. You'll trek through lush rainforest terrain, passing through vegetation and local forest as you climb toward Machame Camp. The trail can be muddy and steep in sections, so good footwear matters here. By late afternoon, you'll reach camp for your first night on the mountain at around 2,643m/8,671ft. The air is still relatively warm and oxygen levels are normal, so take this day to get comfortable with the rhythm of trekking.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Gate - Day 2
Shira Camp
From Machame Camp, the landscape changes noticeably as you leave the rainforest behind. The trail opens up into montane forest with fewer trees, and you'll notice the air getting thinner. You're ascending toward Shira Camp at 3,840m/12,598ft, and the vegetation shifts to smaller plants and heath. The day involves steady climbing through changing ecosystems, so pace yourself and stay hydrated. By evening you'll be at Shira Camp where the terrain flattens out a bit, giving your legs a short break.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 3
Barranco Camp
This leg takes you from Shira Camp through the high alpine desert, which looks quite different from earlier sections. You'll see volcanic rock, sparse grasses, and views of surrounding peaks and glaciers on Kilimanjaro's slopes. The altitude continues rising toward Barranco Camp at 3,960m/12,992ft, but the path itself isn't as steep as yesterday. The landscape feels more open and exposed here. After reaching camp in the afternoon, you might start noticing altitude effects if you haven't already, so it's a good time to rest and drink plenty of water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 4
Karanga
You'll trek from Barranco Camp toward Karanga Camp at 4,035m/13,238ft. The terrain becomes increasingly barren as you climb higher, with volcanic rock and minimal vegetation. This day is shorter than some others, which helps with acclimatization at this altitude. The sparse landscape continues around you, and you might catch sight of other trekkers on the mountain. By afternoon you'll reach Karanga Camp and have time to rest. Most people start feeling altitude more noticeably at this elevation, so lighter activity and good sleep preparation help.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 5
Barafu Hut
The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut takes you through barren volcanic landscape at increasingly higher altitude. You'll climb to Barafu Hut at 4,673m/15,331ft, your final camp before the summit push. The terrain is rocky and exposed, with minimal vegetation. This is a shorter day because you need to be well-rested for tomorrow's early morning. You'll check your gear, eat an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt. Most guides recommend going to bed around 7 or 8 PM since you'll be starting the final push around midnight or 1 AM.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 6
Mweka Camp
Your alarm goes off around midnight or 1 AM, and after a quick snack and hot drink, you'll start the summit attempt in the dark. The trek to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m/19,341ft takes roughly 5 to 8 hours depending on your pace and acclimatization. You'll climb through switchbacks on volcanic scree, and the cold becomes intense at this altitude. Reaching the summit usually happens in early morning light, where you get to see the sunrise from Africa's highest point. After spending time at the summit, you begin the long descent to Mweka Camp at 3,068m/10,066ft through the forest zone. You'll have already been active for many hours by the time you reach camp, so most people are pretty tired.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak
- Trek from Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Descent from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Landmarks/POIs Uhuru Peak Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 7
Mweka Gate
Your final day involves trekking down from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate through forest terrain. The path follows switchbacks downward, which can be hard on the knees and legs after days of climbing. You'll pass through different vegetation zones as you descend. Once you reach Mweka Gate in the afternoon, you'll exit the mountain and receive your certificate of achievement from the park authorities. This marks the end of your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition. Many climbers feel a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment at this point, so take time to celebrate what you've done.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro Mweka Gate
