Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 2,835m | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast in Arusha or Moshi, you will be driven to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Once registered, your trek begins through the lush, dense mountain rainforest. You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys in the canopy as you wind your way up the muddy trails. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Machame Camp, where your porters will have your tents set up and dinner preparing.
Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 2,835m to 3,750m | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Today, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail climbs steeply along a rocky ridge, offering spectacular views of the western breach and glaciers ahead. You will reach the expansive Shira Plateau, where the air starts to feel noticeably cooler. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest at Shira Camp with the stars shining brightly above.
Overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,750m to 4,600m (Lava Tower) to 3,900m | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
This is a crucial day for acclimatization, following the mountaineering rule to "climb high and sleep low." You will hike eastward up to the striking Lava Tower at 4,600m, where you will stop for lunch. Afterward, you will descend down into the beautiful Barranco Valley to set up camp. Though you end the day at nearly the same elevation you started, this hike is vital for preparing your body for the summit.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900m to 3,995m | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Start your day by conquering the Great Barranco Wall! While it looks intimidating, it is a fun, non-technical scramble that requires no climbing gear—just your hands and feet. Once at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Heim Glacier. From there, you will hike up and down a series of ridges and valleys until you reach the scenic Karanga Camp in time for a hot lunch.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Base Camp)
Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Today’s hike is relatively short and steep, taking you through a desolate, rocky alpine desert. You will arrive at Barafu Camp (meaning "ice" in Swahili) by early afternoon. This is your base camp for the summit. Spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear. You will have an early dinner and try to sleep by 7:00 PM, as your summit push begins around midnight!
Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (Summit) down to 3,100m | Hiking Time: 11-15 hours
You will be woken up around 11:30 PM with hot tea and biscuits. Under the light of your headlamp, you will begin the steep, challenging ascent through the freezing night. Around dawn, you will reach Stella Point on the crater rim, before making the final push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating and taking photos at the summit sign, you will begin the long descent back down to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing all the way down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Departure
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After your final breakfast on the mountain, you will join your crew for a traditional singing and dancing celebration to thank them for their hard work. You will then hike down through the beautiful rainforest one last time to the Mweka Gate. Here, successful climbers will receive their official summit certificates! Our Keva Tours and Travel driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration.