Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning.

• Overnight Location: Hotel in Moshi
• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Moshi
• Meals: None

• Elevation: 5,249 ft / 1,600 m → 9,350 ft / 2,850 m
• Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

After registration at the Machame Gate, you’ll be transferred to Umbwe Gate where your trek begins. The trail starts steeply, ascending through dense rainforest along a narrow ridge flanked by deep gorges. The thick vegetation, towering trees, moss, and mist create a wild, untouched atmosphere. You may spot monkeys and tropical birds along the way. Arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp in the late afternoon.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Umbwe Cave Camp

• Elevation: 9,350 ft / 2,850 m → 13,044 ft / 3,970 m
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Heath and Moorland

The trail continues along the steep ridge with increasingly panoramic views. As you climb, vegetation changes from dense forest to heather and moorland with hanging mosses. You’ll approach Barranco Valley and eventually descend slightly into Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall and offering views of Kibo Peak and the Southern Icefields.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft / 3,970 m → 14,108 ft / 4,300 m → 13,044 ft / 3,970 m
• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles (round trip)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is a valuable acclimatization day. You’ll hike toward Lava Tower (4,300 m) and return to Barranco to “climb high, sleep low.” This process boosts your body’s ability to adapt to altitude. The hike offers more exposure to Kilimanjaro’s alpine zone and jaw-dropping views. Spend the afternoon resting and hydrating back at Barranco Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft / 3,970 m → 13,106 ft / 3,995 m

• Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

You’ll begin the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble with sweeping views. Once atop the ridge, you’ll traverse glacial valleys and ridges to reach the scenic Karanga Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization and a perfect chance to rest before ascending higher.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft / 3,995 m → 15,331 ft / 4,673 m
• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s route is a gradual but steady climb through desolate, wind-swept alpine desert. You’ll pass lava ridges and barren hillsides on your way to Barafu Camp. The air grows thinner and the landscape starker. You’ll arrive in time for an early dinner and rest, as you’ll begin your summit push just before midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 15,331 ft / 4,673 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,068 m

• Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles (5 km / 3.1 miles ascent, 12 km / 7.5 miles descent)

• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours

• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

You’ll start your summit attempt around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the trek. After 6–7 hours of climbing on volcanic scree, you’ll reach Stella Point (18,885 ft / 5,756 m) just before sunrise. From there, it’s a 1-hour trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebration and photos, descend to Barafu for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,068 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

Your final descent is through lush montane rainforest, filled with exotic birds and colorful wildflowers. The trail may be muddy but offers a tranquil end to your adventure. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel is included in the climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you have booked a safari, we typically will leave just after breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.

• Travel Time: 45 minutes drive to Kilimanjaro Airport
• Meals: Breakfast