Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Moshi
Your adventure begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, a company representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Town, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.
After check-in, you’ll have time to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check to ensure you’re fully prepared for the days ahead.
Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate, where your Kilimanjaro climb officially begins. Complete registration formalities, meet your porters and cook, and start your trek through the lush rainforest zone.
The path winds gently uphill beneath a canopy of giant ferns and moss-covered trees. Keep your eyes open for black-and-white colobus monkeys and colorful turacos.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp, your first overnight stop on the mountain.
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,840m)
Today’s trek takes you above the forest line into moorland. The air is thinner and cooler as you climb up a steep ridge before crossing the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow that offers incredible views of Mount Meru in the distance.
You’ll notice the vegetation change dramatically, with hardy lobelias and giant groundsels replacing rainforest trees.
Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll enjoy stunning sunset views over the plains below.
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
This is one of the most important days for acclimatization. You’ll climb steadily to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation at 4,600m.
After lunch at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp for the night. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude.
The descent reveals the majestic Barranco Valley, dotted with giant Senecio plants.
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
After breakfast, tackle the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet non-technical climb offering panoramic views of the valley below.
From the top, continue along undulating ridges and cross several small streams before reaching Karanga Camp.
The afternoon is for rest and acclimatization — a vital step before the summit push.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Today’s trek is a steady climb to Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Swahili — your base camp before the final ascent.
You’ll pass through a stark, windswept landscape with little vegetation but incredible views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Arrive at Barafu by mid-afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Day! Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The most challenging yet rewarding day begins around midnight. Equipped with headlamps, you’ll climb slowly in the dark toward the crater rim, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise.
Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!
Take photos, celebrate your success, and begin your descent to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu for a short rest and lunch.
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (total)
Vegetation Zone: Arctic / Alpine Desert
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through the lush forest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate.
Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a hot shower, a warm meal, and a soft bed after your week on the mountain!
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Descend through the lush forest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate.
Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a hot shower, a warm meal, and a soft bed after your week on the mountain!
Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Caldera
Early morning departure to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden,” for a full-day game drive.
You’ll encounter an incredible concentration of wildlife — lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and possibly the rare black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending the crater rim in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Pamoja Africa Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha – Departure
Your final day begins with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and scenic alkaline lake.
After your morning game drive, enjoy lunch and return to Arusha in the afternoon.
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.
