On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. As you settle in, you’ll begin to get a feel for the surroundings, with views of the landscape and glimpses of local life along the way. On arrival at your lodge, there’s time to relax after your journey before dinner and overnight.

After breakfast in Arusha, we set off towards Machame Gate, a drive of about two hours. On arrival, there is time for registration before we enjoy a hot lunch. We then begin the trek, walking through the dense rainforest on a winding trail that gradually climbs up a ridge. The forest is rich with birdlife and occasional monkeys along the way. The pace is steady as we make our way to Machame Camp, where dinner and overnight await.

Elevation: 1,640 m to 2,972 m

Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast at Machame Camp, we continue the climb, leaving the rainforest behind as the trail leads onto a steeper, rocky ridge. As we gain height, the landscape opens into heather and moorland, with wide views beginning to appear. We cross small streams and move across the Shira Plateau, taking in the changing scenery along the way. On arrival at Shira Caves Camp, we enjoy a hot lunch and have time to rest, with clear views of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the distance, before dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 2,972 m to 3,804 m

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Today we climb higher during the day before descending to sleep at a lower altitude, helping your body adjust well. After breakfast at Shira Caves Camp, we hike for 4 to 5 hours across open moorland, gradually gaining height as we make our way to Lava Tower. This is the highest point of the day and a real highlight of the trek. After a hot lunch here, we begin a 2-to-3-hour descent into the Barranco Valley, walking through unique plants and changing scenery. We arrive at Barranco Camp, set below the Barranco Wall, where we rest, have dinner, and overnight.

Elevation: 3,804 m to 3,950 m

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, we begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable section and one of the highlights of the trek. Although it may look challenging at first, it is not technical, and your guide will lead you step by step at a steady pace. From the top, there are wide views across the valley and towards Kibo. We then continue across ridges and valleys towards Karanga, where we stop for a hot lunch. After resting, we continue the climb towards Barafu Camp, with the landscape becoming more open and rockier as we gain height. The hike takes about 7 to 8 hours in total. On arrival, we rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit.

Elevation: 3,950 m to 4,640 m

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)

Hiking time: 7–8 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Today is summit day. We wake up around 23:00hrs and take tea and biscuits before setting off at midnight. We begin the climb slowly in the dark, with headlamps lighting the way. This is the most challenging part of the trek, with cold temperatures and wind as we gain height. We take short breaks as we make steady progress towards Stella Point, reaching the crater rim at sunrise with views over Mawenzi. From here, it’s a gradual walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After spending time at the summit, we begin our descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest and hot lunch. We then continue down to Mweka Camp, taking care on the rocky sections. By late afternoon, we arrive at camp, where we enjoy dinner and a well-earned rest.

Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,080 m

Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)

Hiking time: 10–14 hours

Habitat: Arctic to moorland

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, we begin our final descent through the rainforest, a gentle walk compared to previous days. The trail can be wet and muddy, so we take our time as we make our way down to Mweka Gate, a hike of about 3 to 4 hours. On arrival, there is time to receive your summit certificates before we continue by vehicle back to Arusha, a drive of about 2 hours. On arrival at your lodge, there is time to relax, celebrate your achievement over dinner, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3,080 m to 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast in Arusha, we transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes. The journey is short and relaxed, giving you time to reflect on your experiences before departure.