Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hours | Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Machame Gate for registration and a final gear check. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, where you may see monkeys and exotic birds. The trail is steadily uphill with some muddy sections. Arrive at Machame Camp by late afternoon for rest and dinner.

• Overnight: Machame Camp
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)

Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hours | Zone: Moorland

Climb steeply out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, where vegetation changes to heather and tall grasses. Today offers beautiful views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon and enjoy an acclimatization hike if time permits.

• Overnight: Shira Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Today involves a tough but important acclimatization climb to Lava Tower, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adjust to the altitude. Expect dramatic views and changing scenery throughout the day.

• Overnight: Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Start with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical section that offers amazing photo ops. Continue through rolling ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, your base for acclimatization before the final ascent push.

• Overnight: Karanga Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Climb steadily to Barafu Camp, the last stop before your summit attempt. Arrive early to rest, hydrate, and prepare. Enjoy an early dinner and go to bed very early—your midnight summit push begins soon.

• Overnight: Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then down to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 17 km | Time: 12–15 hours | Zone: Arctic to Rainforest

Wake at midnight and begin your final climb under the stars. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) around sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and photos at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.

• Overnight: Mweka Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Arusha

Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Rainforest

Hike through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. After farewells with your mountain crew, transfer back to your lodge in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved shower, rest, and celebration.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch