Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After settling in, you’ll meet your guide for a briefing about the upcoming climb. This is also the time to check your gear and ensure you’re well-prepared for the trek.
Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1,640m) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m)
Your adventure begins with a drive to the Umbwe Gate. The trail starts steeply through the dense rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation. As you ascend, the path becomes narrower and steeper. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Umbwe Cave Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)
On this day, the trail continues steeply upward through the forest, which eventually gives way to moorland. As you climb higher, the path becomes more exposed, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll traverse a ridge to reach Barranco Camp, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Icefields and Kibo Peak.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
The day begins with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires some scrambling. After conquering the wall, the trail winds up and down through valleys and over ridges, leading you to Karanga Camp. This camp is set in a valley below the ice fields, offering stunning views and an opportunity to rest and acclimatize.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today’s trek takes you across a desolate, lunar-like landscape to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The hike is relatively short but challenging due to the altitude. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll have an early dinner and then rest, as you’ll be starting your summit push at midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Around midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is slow and steady, with the air becoming thinner as you near the summit. After 6-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim, and from there, it’s a short hike to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
On your final day, you’ll trek through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
