• Elevation: 1,800 m → approximate

• Distance: 10–11 km

• Trekking: 5–7 hours

Montane rainforest After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate for registration and a briefing with your mountain guide. Begin trekking through dense rainforest, where you may encounter colourful birds, unique plants and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Follow the forest trail uphill to Machame Camp, where your mountain crew prepares dinner and your overnight campsite.

Overnight: Machame Camp, approximately 3,000 m.

• Elevation: 3,000 m → approximately 3,500 m

• Distance: approximately 5 km · Trekking: 4–6 hours

• Habitat: Heath and moorland

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs through open heathland and moorland. The vegetation becomes shorter, the landscape more exposed, and views of the mountain begin to open up.

Today's shorter stage allows you to settle into the trekking rhythm and begin adapting to the increasing altitude.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp, approximately 3,500 m.

• Habitat: Moorland and high-altitude plateau

• Elevation: approximately 3,500 m → 3,850 m

• Distance: approximately 6–8 km · Trekking: 3–5 hours

Continue across the spectacular Shira Plateau, an expansive high-altitude landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's highest volcanic cone, and the surrounding mountain terrain.After arriving at camp, relax, drink fluids and enjoy an optional short acclimatization walk if your guide considers it appropriate.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp, approximately 3,850 m.

• Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → approximately 3,960 m

• Distance: approximately 10–11 km · Trekking: 6–8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert

This is a key acclimatization day. Trek steadily toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic rock formation at approximately 4,600 m. After a rest and lunch, descend toward the beautiful Barranco Valley.

The principle of “climb high, sleep low” exposes your body to a higher elevation before returning to a lower sleeping altitude. Your guide will monitor your condition throughout the day.

Overnight: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,960 m.

• Elevation: approximately 3,960 m → 4,035 m

• Distance: approximately 5–6 km · Trekking: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert

Start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep and scenic section that sometimes requires the use of your hands for balance. Your guides will help you navigate the trail safely.

Continue along ridges and valleys with spectacular views of the mountain before reaching Karanga Camp. The relatively short trekking day offers time to rest and prepare for the higher camps.

• Elevation: approximately 4,035 m → 4,640 m

• Distance: approximately 4 km · Trekking: 3–5 hours

Continue uphill through a rugged, increasingly barren landscape toward Barafu Camp. The terrain is rocky and exposed, and the air becomes thinner as you gain elevation.

On arrival, take time to rest, hydrate and prepare your summit equipment. Your guide will explain the summit-night schedule, clothing requirements and safety procedures.

Dinner is usually served early, followed by rest before the overnight ascent.

Overnight: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,640 m

• Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → approximately 3,080 m

• Trekking: approximately 12–16 hours total, depending on conditions and pace

• Habitat: Volcanic scree, alpine desert and upper mountain terrain

Begin the summit attempt around midnight, climbing slowly under the stars toward Stella Point at approximately 5,756 m. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate your achievement, take photographs and enjoy the sunrise when conditions allow. After the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments, then continue down the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp.

This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, requiring determination, careful pacing and close guidance.

Overnight: Mweka Camp, approximately 3,080 m.

• Elevation: Aproximately 3,080 m → 1,640 m

• Distance: Aproximately 8–10 km ·

• Trekking: 3–5 hours

• Habitat: Montane rainforest

Enjoy breakfast before beginning the final descent through the rainforest. The trail may be damp and slippery, so take your time and follow your guide's instructions.

At Mweka Gate, complete the required park procedures and receive your summit certificate if you qualify. Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-earned shower and rest.

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha.