The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day
Day 1: The Ascent to Machame Camp
Your journey begins at the Machame Gate. You will hike through the lush, dense rainforest. The trail can be steep and muddy as you make your way to Machame Camp (3,010m). You’ll spend the night in your tent, with the sounds of the jungle surrounding you.
- Elevation: 1,800m to 3,010m
- Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Into the Moorland
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and continue on an ascending path. The landscape changes to beautiful moorland as you cross a rocky ridge and head toward the Shira Plateau. You’ll hike to the Shira Camp (3,845m), where you can get your first panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
- Elevation: 3,010m to 3,845m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: The Acclimatization Climb
Today is crucial for your success. You will hike high to Lava Tower (4,630m), a key point in your acclimatization strategy. After reaching the high point, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) for the night. You’ll end the day at a similar elevation to where you started, but your body will have worked to adapt to the higher altitude.
- Elevation: 3,845m to 4,630m to 3,950m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: The Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Your day begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall. This non-technical but steep rock face is a memorable challenge. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue hiking up and down through hills and valleys, eventually reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m). This shorter day allows you to rest and further acclimatize.
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: The Final Push to Barafu Camp
Today is another half-day hike, continuing your steady ascent. The landscape becomes more barren as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,600m), your base camp for the summit. You’ll have a hearty lunch and then spend the rest of the day resting and preparing your gear for the midnight summit push.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,600m
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Summit Day! The Ultimate Victory
Your final, most challenging stage begins just after midnight. You will climb through the night, pushing on the scree slopes to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. As the sun rises, you’ll make the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa! After celebrating your victory, you will begin the long descent to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for a well-deserved night’s rest.
- Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,090m
- Distance: 6 km up / 13 km down
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit & Montane Forest
Day 7: The Final Descent
After breakfast, you will begin your celebratory descent through the lush rainforest. You’ll arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,640m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
