Itinerary In Brief

Kilimanjaro Trek DAY BY DAY

Day 1:

Arrival to Kilimanjaro.

• Transfer from the airport to your hotel at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro for a briefing and equipment check. Get a good night’s rest – tomorrow you start the adventure!

Day 2:

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Starting at Machame Gate (1,817m), begin the first leg of your trek through dense rainforest.

Day 3:

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Head to Shira Plateau for gorgeous views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Day 4:

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

• Trek at high altitude across moorland and other distinct landscapes.

Day 5:

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Climb the steep Great Barranco Wall and underneath glaciers.

Day 6:

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• Today you will summit Mt. Kilimanjaro! Climb to the crater rim at Stella Point at the first rays of sun before heading to Uruhu Peak. Here you have reached the highest point in Africa.

Day 7:

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• A gentle descending trek back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration of your summit!

Day 8:

Optional Extension or Departure

• Extend your trip with a 2-day safari, or transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Contact us to plan your Kilimanjaro Trek! 

Itinerary In Detail

Day 1: Arrival to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfor to your hotel for a day at leisure. Please let us know if you would like to plan some additional activities or day tours in the area. In the afternoon your trekking guide will meet you at your hotel to brief you on the upcoming Kilimanjaro Trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all of the necessary mountain gear.

Overnight at Stella Maris Lodge

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

This morning you will wake up to begin your exciting 6 day trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The highest free-standing mountain in the world, the experience this week will be complete with unbelievable views, tough hiking, and incredible memories.

After a 30 minute drive from Moshi, you will arrive at Machame Gate (1,817m) – the beginning of your trekking route. Complete park registrations before you begin walking. This first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. The path is less-visited than most – meaning you will likely have it to yourself but that some places will be overgrown and muddy. You will cover a total of 10km today in about 6 hours.

Overnight Machame Camp (3,021m)

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast at camp, continue trekking up through the forest until you reach the steep ascent to Shira Plateau. Here you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Mt Kilimanjaro. As you look behind you, you will also be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance. Today you will cover a total of 4.8km in about 5 hours.

Overnight at Shira Camp (3,830m)

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The landscapes will change today – giving new perspective on the vast distances and diversity of this astonishing trek. You will be walking on high moorland as you traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro. Pass under the Lava Tower and the Western Breach before you reach camp. Over the course of the day you will trek at high altitude – reaching about 4,600m at your highest point. But sticking to the mountaineering coder of “walk high, sleep low,” your camp will be below 4,000m to aid in your body’s’ acclimatization to altitude. The day will cover 10km in about 8 hours.

Overnight at Barranco Camp (3,972m)

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

The day starts by descending into Great Barranco, a huge ravine. To exit, you will climb the steep Great Barranco Wall which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Though it doesn’t require technical skill, the climb is over rocks and will be long and tiring.

Following the climb, you will pass underneath the Heil and Kersten Glaciers, as you head towards the Karanga Valley. This will be the last place to retrieve fresh water before the much anticipated summit. Continue through arid and desolate land as you make your way to camp. You will trek 8km today in about 8 hours.

Overnight at Barafu Camp (4,642m)

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Today will be a long but extremely rewarding day. Starting at midnight, you will begin climbing towards the summit glaciers. For about 4-5 hours, climb scree (slopes covered with small, loose stones) gaining incredible height over very short distances. The views will be spectacular.

You should be at the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Astonishing ice cliffs within the crater will surround you, and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking.

Another hour walking takes you to Uruhu Peak (5,895m)! Congratulations, you have successfully reached the highest point in Africa. Stop for some once-in-a-lifetime photos before beginning the descent. Head to Stella Point, then Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading to down to Millennium Camp for a well deserved rest.

You will cover 13.4km today in 12-15 hours.

Overnight at Millennium Camp (3,801m)

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek will take you down through the rainforest once again, arriving at Mweka Gate. Here you will complete some park exit formalities, and receive a certificate for the completion of your summit. This is a great souvenir (and humble bragging tool) to hang with pride when you get home!

You will be met by vehicles to return to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower before a celebration!

Overnight Stella Maris Lodge

Day 8: Optional Extension or Depart Tanzania

Today you can begin your optional travel extension, or alternatively depart Tanzania after the adventure of a lifetime!

Contact us to plan your Kilimanjaro Trek!