Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is Tanzania’s safari capital and your gateway to Kilimanjaro.

What to Expect Today:

• Airport pickup and private transfer to hotel

• Briefing by your mountain guide

• Final gear check and opportunity to rent any missing equipment

• Optional city exploration or relaxation at the lodge

After breakfast, a scenic drive takes you to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Machame Gate. You’ll register and begin your hike through lush tropical rainforest filled with ancient trees, hanging lichens, and the calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the canopy.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 1,800 m to 3,000 m

• Distance: 11 km

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Leaving the forest behind, today’s climb takes you through heath and moorland, revealing sweeping vistas and strange, otherworldly vegetation like giant heathers and lobelias. As you ascend, Kilimanjaro’s glaciers begin to appear in the distance.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 3,000 m to 3,840 m

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

oday is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll climb high to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. Along the way, you’ll notice dramatic shifts in scenery, from dry alpine desert to lush valleys.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 3,840 m to 4,630 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950 m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Semi-desert

Your day begins with the thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that tests your footing but offers a big sense of accomplishment at the top. From there, you’ll traverse through a valley of glaciers and rugged landscapes to reach Karanga Camp.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 3,950 m to 3,995 m

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert

Today’s hike leads you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The trail is dry and windswept, with sweeping views of the southern glaciers and summit looming ahead. After an early dinner, you’ll rest up for the midnight start of your summit climb.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m

• Distance: 4 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert

This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of your journey. You’ll begin your ascent to the summit around midnight, hiking through darkness to reach Stella Point for sunrise and then onward to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. After celebrating at the top, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100 m

• Distance: 13 km ascent, 12 km descent

• Hiking Time: 11–15 hours total

• Vegetation Zones: Arctic summit to rainforest base

Your final day on the mountain is an easy descent through lush forest terrain. On reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive a summit certificate, marking your achievement. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha for a hot shower, delicious meal, and celebratory rest.

Trek Details:

• Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest