Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 m to 3,000 m
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Start your journey with a scenic drive to Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your mountain crew. The trek begins through dense rainforest, with a well-maintained trail ascending gradually. Expect moss-covered trees, giant ferns, and wildlife such as monkeys and forest birds. You’ll reach Machame Camp, set in a clearing in the forest zone.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 m to 3,840 m
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Leaving the forest, you enter the heather and moorland zone, where tall grasses and volcanic rocks dominate. The trail steepens as you climb the Shira Plateau, an expansive high-altitude plain offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak. Shira Camp sits on the edge of this plateau, exposed to wind and open skies—perfect for stargazing.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Elevation: 3,840 m → 4,630 m (Lava Tower) → 3,950 m
• Vegetation Zones: Alpine Desert to Moorland

Today is a key acclimatization day. The trail ascends steadily to Lava Tower at 4,630 m, where you’ll stop for lunch and let your body adjust to the thin air. You’ll then descend to Barranco Camp, located in a scenic valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall. Though you sleep lower than Lava Tower, this strategy helps your body prepare for summit night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 3,950 m to 4,035 m
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Begin with an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent that opens up panoramic views over the plains. The trail then weaves through ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, your overnight stop. This shorter day allows time to rest and further acclimatize in preparation for the summit push.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Elevation Gain: 4,035 m to 4,673 m
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

A gradual, steady climb through the high desert landscape brings you to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit day. The trail is exposed and windswept, with surreal views of Mawenzi Peak. You’ll arrive by early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the nighttime ascent.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp

• Distance: 5 km ascent + 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
• Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Moorland

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. Under moonlight and starlight, you’ll ascend slowly but steadily to Stella Point (5,739 m) and then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the top, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and continue on to Mweka Camp for your final overnight.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha

• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Elevation Loss: 3,100 m to 1,640 m
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Enjoy your last breakfast on the mountain before descending through the lush rainforest, often muddy and slippery. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and meet your driver for the return transfer to Moshi or Arusha. Time to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime achievement!

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch