Altitude: ~1,800 m → ~3,000 m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest

Itinerary

After breakfast in Moshi, depart for Machame Gate, approximately 45–60 minutes by vehicle.

At the gate, complete registration and park procedures before beginning the trek.

The trail enters the beautiful rainforest, with a gradual but steady ascent. The path can become muddy and slippery, especially during rainy periods.

Arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon.

Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & dinner

Altitude: ~3,000 m → ~3,850 m
Distance: ~5–6 km
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and climb through heath and moorland.

The trail becomes steeper as you approach the Shira Plateau. As you gain altitude, spectacular views of Kibo and the surrounding landscape begin to appear.

Arrive at Shira Camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing.

Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Altitude: ~3,850 m → Lava Tower ~4,630 m → Barranco ~3,950 m
Distance: ~10–11 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

This is an important acclimatization day.

The trail crosses the Shira Plateau and gradually climbs toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600–4,630 m.

After lunch at Lava Tower, descend toward Barranco Camp.

This is the classic “climb high, sleep low” strategy: you reach a higher altitude during the day but descend to sleep at a lower elevation.

Barranco Camp is located beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Altitude: ~3,950 m → ~4,000 m
Distance: ~5–6 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, begin the climb up the famous Barranco Wall.

The wall looks intimidating from camp, but it is a hiking/scrambling section rather than technical rock climbing. Your guide will help you negotiate the steeper sections.

After the wall, continue through several valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp.

This is a relatively short day, giving your body additional time to acclimatize.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Altitude: ~4,000 m → ~4,600–4,673 m
Distance: ~4–5 km
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, begin the steady climb toward Barafu Camp, the main base for the summit attempt.

The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren.

Arrive at Barafu Camp around midday or early afternoon. Eat lunch, hydrate and rest as much as possible.

Dinner is usually served early because the summit attempt starts around midnight.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Barafu: ~4,600–4,673 m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
Mweka Camp: ~3,100 m
Distance: ~15–20 km total
Hiking time: approximately 10–15+ hours

This is the most difficult day of the climb.

Around Midnight

Wake up, have a light breakfast and begin the summit attempt.

The trail climbs slowly through rocky and volcanic terrain toward Stella Point, approximately 5,756 m.

From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m

Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Take photographs, celebrate your achievement and enjoy the views before beginning the descent.

Descent to Mweka Camp

Descend through the volcanic scree toward Barafu and continue down to Mweka Camp.

This is a very long day, so maintaining a slow, steady pace is important.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Altitude: ~3,100 m → ~1,640–1,800 m
Distance: ~10–12 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the rainforest.

Arrive at Mweka Gate, where you complete the park formalities and receive your summit certificate where applicable.

Meet your vehicle and drive back to Moshi.

Arrive in Moshi in the afternoon.

Overnight: Moshi hotel or onward travel
Meals: Breakfast