Mount Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m | Distance: 11km | Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Montane Rainforest

Begin your adventure at Machame Gate after registration and briefing. Trek through dense, lush rainforest on well-maintained trails, surrounded by giant ferns, moss-covered trees, and the calls of colobus monkeys. The path is steep in sections with muddy conditions possible. Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m | Distance: 5km | Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Leave the rainforest behind and emerge into the moorland zone with heathers and wildflowers. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you ascend the ridge. Cross several streams and enjoy increasingly spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Camp on the Shira Plateau with panoramic sunset views.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), descend to 3,960m | Distance: 10km | Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Critical acclimatization day following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, where you may experience mild altitude symptoms. Then descend through the stunning Senecio forest into the Great Barranco Valley. This day helps your body adjust to altitude while camping at a similar elevation to the previous night.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m | Distance: 5km | Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling scramble up a 257m rock face requiring hands and feet (no technical climbing). Enjoy incredible views from the top before traversing a series of ridges and valleys. Cross several small streams in alpine desert terrain with giant groundsels and lobelias. Shorter day allows for rest and acclimatization at Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,035m to 4,673m | Distance: 4km | Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Relatively short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and rocky. Arrive by early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare equipment for summit night. Eat an early dinner around 5 PM, then sleep from 7-11 PM before the midnight wake-up call. Stay warm and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.

Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (summit), descend to 3,100m | Distance: 5km ascent, 12km descent | Time: 6-8 hours up, 5-7 hours down | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit Push (Midnight-Dawn): Begin around midnight in freezing temperatures. Trek slowly in switchbacks up scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim—the most physically and mentally demanding section. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then continue along the crater rim for 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, then begin the long descent.

Descent: Return to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and moorland zones. Total trekking time 12-15 hours—expect exhaustion but immense satisfaction.

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m | Distance: 10km | Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Final descent through beautiful montane rainforest on a well-established trail. Watch your footing as the path can be muddy and slippery. Arrive at Mweka Gate where you'll sign out and receive your official summit certificate—gold for reaching Uhuru Peak! Celebrate with your team, distribute tips to guides and porters, then transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.