Start: Machame Gate (1,790 m)
Finish: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Distance: 11 km
Walking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Climate Zone: montane forest
Highest altitude: 3,010 m

Transfer from your hotel to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. After the park formalities are completed at Machame Gate, you will start trekking through the lush and green montane forest. The dense forest on this side of the mountain is often referred to as “rain forest”, not because it is an actual rainforest, but because it receives a lot of rain. Proceed to the first camp on your trail for dinner and overnight at the shared campsite Machame.

Start: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Finish: Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Distance: 6 to 7 km
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: heather and moorland
Highest altitude: 3,845 m

Today’s trekking distance is not that far; however, it is a fair bit of height. You will transit into the grassy heather and moorland zone with the vegetation opening up. After climbing up a steep ridge you will ascent further to Shira plateau – the ancient remains of Kilimanjaro’s third peak. If it is a cloudless day you can enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and sometimes even Mount Meru in the distance. After a rest and if weather allows you can option to visit Shira cave.

Start: Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Finish: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Distance: 10 to 11 km
Walking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Climate Zone: semi desert
Highest altitude: 4,600 m

The day begins with a gentle climb out of the heather and moorland zone. You will soon enter the semi desert with a rocky landscape and proceed your trek to eastern side of the Lava Tower – an important, but strenuous hike for acclimatization. After your picnic-lunch stop you will descent into the Barranco valley and on to the shared campsite Barranco. This was a long day, but by climbing high and sleeping low, you give your body the best chances to adapt to the attitude.

Start: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Finish: Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Distance: 5 to 6 km
Walking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Climate Zone: alpine desert
Highest altitude: 4,220 m

Today’s challenge is the steep climb up the Barranco Wall. Many climbers are worried about this section of the climb; however, it is not a technical climb. Here and there you will need to scramble and use your hands to steady yourself. But once you make it over the final ridge you are met with a spectacular view of Kibo. The trek proceeds over gravel rocks through the Karanga Valley beneath the Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers and onwards to the shared campsite Karanga for dinner and overnight.

Start: Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Finish: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Distance: 3 to 4 km
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Climate Zone: alpine desert
Highest altitude: 4,640 m

After breakfast you follow an easy, but steep path across the alpine desert to the Mweka junction. From here you continue further up on a dry landscape to the shared campsite of Barafu. Did you know that the Swahili word “Barafu” means ice? Barafu Camp is the last camp before summit and the rest of the day is dedicated to resting in preparation for the summit attempt. Enjoy the splendid views of Mawenzi and Kibo peak and head to bed early.

Start: Barafu Camp (4,650 m)
Finish: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Distance: 20 km
Walking Time: 14 to 18 hours
Climate Zone: arctic (stone scree and ice-capped summit)
Highest altitude: 5,895 m

Wake up around midnight for your attempt to conquer the summit. Today marks one of the most challenging days of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek – both mentally and physically. The cold weather in this high altitude together with the wind can be extreme. Our motto remains “Pole, Pole” – one tiny little step after the other! A rocky zigzags path on volcanic scree leads to Stella Point at 5,730 m. From here it is another 165 m in height to Uhuru Peak.

If you feel strong enough to continue, it is a two-hour round trip along the crater rim to the highest point of Africa. Finally, you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Congratulations – there are no words to describe the feeling of reaching the top of Mount Kiliamanjaro! After a few moments, you will descent via Barafu Campsite down to the shared campsite at Mweka for dinner and overnight.

Start: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Finish: Mweka Gate (1,680 m)
Distance: 10 km
Walking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: montane forest

This is your final day of the trek. After breakfast you continue your descent onto Mweka Gate. Your driver/guide will transfer you back to your lodge for a well-earned shower and rest.