Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
You drive from Arusha to Machame Gate for registration. The climb begins through dense rainforest with shaded trails and steady elevation gain. The route ends at Machame Camp where you rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The trail climbs out of the forest into open moorland. You gain altitude slowly with wide views of Kilimanjaro and surrounding valleys. The day ends at Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
You climb toward Lava Tower at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. This route helps your body adjust to altitude and prepares you for the higher camps.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day starts with the climb up Barranco Wall. The trail continues across ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp where you rest and adjust to altitude.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You climb steadily through alpine desert terrain toward Barafu Camp. The air becomes thinner and temperatures drop as you approach summit altitude.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The climb begins before midnight toward Stella Point and continues to Uhuru Peak. After sunrise at the summit, you descend to Barafu Camp and continue to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
You descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate where the climb ends. After registration you return to Arusha.