When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, your private driver from Serengeti Wildlife Safaris greets you. Then you transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Accommodation options include Greenside Hotel, Africa Safari Arusha, Forest Hill or Gran Meliá Arusha, based on your preference.

Later in the evening, your mountain guide holds a full pre-climb briefing and answers your questions. After that, the guide also checks your gear, so you are fully prepared for your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

• Elevation: ~1,400m
• Meals: Dinner

Today your journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro officially begins. First, after breakfast, you drive (~2 hours) to Machame Gate to register with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Next, the hike starts through lush montane rainforest. Along the way, you may also spot monkeys, birds and exotic plant life. Finally, you arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon for dinner and rest.

• Elevation: 1,640m (Machame Gate), 2,835m (Machame Camp)
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Machame Camp

Today’s hike through heather and moorland is steep but shorter. First, you leave the forest behind. Then you hike across volcanic ridges and open terrain with dramatic views. Later, you reach Shira Cave Camp on a high plateau, with panoramic views of the mountain and the valleys below.

• Elevation: 2,835m → 3,850m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Shira Camp

Today is especially important for acclimatization. First, you ascend to Lava Tower, and then you descend to Barranco Camp. This climb-high, sleep-low strategy significantly increases your chances of summit success. Along the way, you also pass the Arrow Glacier and take in views of the Western Breach. Finally, at Barranco, you enjoy one of the best sunsets on Kilimanjaro beside the iconic Barranco Wall.

• Elevation: 3,850m → 4,630m (Lava Tower) → 3,976m (Barranco Camp)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Semi-desert

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Barranco Camp

First, begin the day with a fun and challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall. Then continue across rocky terrain to Karanga Camp. Here you stop for lunch and refill your water, because this is the last water point before the summit. Afterward, you continue to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. Dinner is early, so you can rest before the midnight push.

• Elevation: 3,976m → 3,995m (Karanga) → 4,673m (Barafu Camp)
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Barafu Camp

Summit day! First, you wake up at midnight for a hot drink and snacks. Then you begin your ascent under the stars. Using headlamps, you trek through the dark and then pass Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise. Shortly after, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the pinnacle of your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing journey.

Once the short celebration and photo session are over, you descend to Barafu for a quick rest. Then you continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100m (Mweka Camp)
• Distance: 17 km
• Hiking Time: 11–15 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Arctic Alpine Forest

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Mweka Camp

First, after breakfast, you continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. There you also receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Next, your driver meets you and transfers you back to Arusha.

When you arrive, enjoy a free post-climb massage to relax sore muscles. If you prefer, we can also take you on a free visit to Chemka Hot Springs. This natural geothermal pool is perfect for swimming as well as celebrating your achievement.

• Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

• Meals: B, L
• Overnight: Greenside Hotel or your preferred lodge