Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our friendly transfer driver will welcome you and escort you to the charming Meru View Lodge in the Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge or explore Arusha town (taxi required). In the evening, a comprehensive briefing will prepare you for the upcoming trek. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at Meru View Lodge.

Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)

Following breakfast, we’ll pick you up at the lodge and transport you to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide handles registration, see the mountain team preparing for the climb. Your Kilimanjaro adventure commences as you delve into the magnificent mountain rainforest, featuring ancient trees, primeval ferns, lianas, lichen, and moss that adorn the ground and canopy. Keep an ear out and, with luck, spot the captivating black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you’ll reach today’s destination—the Machame Camp, nestled just above the tree line. At the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, savor your first dinner, followed by a night of rest in tents.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,010 m) – New Shira Camp (3,845 m)

An early start reveals steeper terrain as the landscape transforms into heath and moorland, offering panoramic views of the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day, and you’ll reach the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. From this camp, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views, especially during the enchanting sunset.

Day 4: New Shira Camp (3,845 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Today, you’ll ascend about 800 meters while camping, slightly higher than the previous night, to allow your body to acclimate. The journey begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau, leading to the Lava Tower. As vegetation thins, the landscape transitions into an afro-alpine desert. The route then takes you through the expansive Barranco Valley, adorned with lobelia and giant Senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you’ll arrive at the exquisite Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Today’s journey commences with a climb up the Barranco Wall, with your guides ensuring your safety along this challenging section. Following the ridge, you’ll traverse up and down, enjoying splendid views of Kibo’s south glacier. Lunch awaits in the Karanga Valley, followed by a 2 to 3-hour ascent to Barafu Camp. Here, you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for an early night.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

The ascent begins around midnight after a hot tea and a light snack. By torchlight, you’ll climb Kibo’s screes. After 5 to 7 hours in the dark, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,730 m), the crater rim. Another 1 to 2-hour climb along the crater ridge leads you to Uhuru Peak. Witness Kilimanjaro in all its glory, basking in the 360° views as the sun rises. You now stand on the “Roof of Africa.” The descent retraces much of the same route, and by midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp. After a warm meal and a well-deserved 1 to 2-hour break, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for supper and a restful night.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha

Your final adventure starts after breakfast with a traditional farewell from the mountain crew. Then, a gentle 2 to 3-hour descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where your driver awaits. You’ll be transferred back to Meru View Lodge. After a refreshing shower, the rest of the day is yours to relax, unwind by the pool, or celebrate your incredible achievement.

Day 8: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport or Extend Your Journey

Following breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your Tanzanian adventure with a thrilling safari or a relaxing beach stay on the Indian Ocean.