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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro – Overnight in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or explore a bit of the town.
In the evening, you’ll meet your Professional Mountain Guide for a detailed briefing about the climb, gear check, and to go over safety procedures. This is your chance to ask any last-minute questions before the big adventure begins. Rest well tonight — tomorrow starts your ascent of Africa’s highest peak!
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha
Altitude: ~1,400 m / 4,600 ft
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/Coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/Africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, sitting at about 1,800 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the necessary registration and meet the rest of your mountain crew. Once everything is ready, your trek officially begins! You’ll hike through the lush, green montane rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and the chance to spot colobus or blue monkeys swinging through the canopy. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so trekking poles are helpful.
The climb is steady but manageable, with plenty of time to acclimate. You’ll reach Machame Camp by late afternoon and set up for your first night under the stars. Expect cooler temperatures and a peaceful night in the forest.
- Distance: ~11 km (7 mi)
- Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,000 m (5,905 ft → 9,840 ft)
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Camp: Machame Camp
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Machame camp |
Machame camp
Machame camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today’s hike begins with a steep ascent up a rocky ridge as you leave the lush rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. Vegetation becomes sparse, with hardy grasses and giant heathers replacing the dense trees. As you rise above the tree line, breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys begin to appear.
The trail continues through lava ridges formed by ancient flows, giving the landscape a rugged, surreal beauty. You’ll traverse across to the expansive and stunning Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert stretching toward the
mountain’s western slope. The air gets noticeably thinner, helping your body begin to acclimate. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp in the early afternoon with time to rest, hydrate, and soak in the views.
Distance: ~5 km (3 mi)
Altitude: 3,000 m → 3,850 m (9,840 ft → 12,630 ft)
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Camp: Shira Camp
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Shira Camp |
Shira Camp
Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of the trek. You’ll begin by hiking gradually upward through the high-altitude alpine desert, a dry and windy zone with little vegetation. The terrain becomes more rugged as you ascend toward the towering rock formation known as Lava Tower, sitting at 4,600 meters.
You’ll rest and have lunch near the tower, allowing your body to adjust to the thin air before descending into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is excellent for acclimatization. As you descend, the landscape becomes greener again, with unique flora like giant groundsels and senecio trees dotting the valley. You’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, tucked beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, ready for tomorrow’s exciting challenge.
Distance: ~10 km (6 mi)
Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 3,900 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Camp: Barranco Camp
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Baranco Camp |
Baranco Camp
Baranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (via Karanga Camp)
The day kicks off with an exciting scramble up the impressive Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that looks intimidating but is manageable and fun with careful footing. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the valley and the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro.
The trail then winds through a series of ridges and valleys with occasional glimpses of Kibo Peak, leading to Karanga Camp, where you’ll stop for a hot lunch and a short break. Afterward, you continue ascending gradually through the desolate alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp, your final basecamp before the summit. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, eat an early dinner, and get some rest — summit night begins around midnight.
Distance: ~9 km (5.6 mi)
Altitude: 3,900 m → 4,673 m (12,800 → 15,330 ft)
Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Camp: Barafu Camp
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Barafu camp |
Barafu camp
Barafu camp
Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp
The most challenging and rewarding day begins just after midnight. Guided by headlamps, you’ll ascend slowly up steep switchbacks toward Stella Point (5,739 m), where the horizon begins to glow.
From there, it’s a final push along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Standing on the Roof of Africa at sunrise is an unforgettable moment. After photos and celebrations, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. Then, continue downhill through rocky terrain and moorland to reach Mweka Camp, set in the forest zone. It’s a long, tough day that tests your endurance, but the sense of achievement is immense.
Distance: ~17 km (11 mi)
Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
Camp: Mweka Camp
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Mweka camp |
Mweka camp
Mweka camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your final descent through the beautiful montane rainforest. The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially if it rained, so watch your footing as you pass through dense vegetation filled with bird calls and the occasional monkey sighting.
The air becomes richer, the temperature warmer, and the mood celebratory. After about 3 to 5 hours, you’ll arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you’ll sign out and receive your well-earned summit certificate. Your vehicle and driver will be waiting to greet you with congratulations and transfer you back to Arusha. Once at the hotel, enjoy a hot shower, fresh clothes, and a real bed. Tonight, you rest as a proud Kilimanjaro summiteer.
- Distance: ~10 km (6 mi)
- Altitude: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
- Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
- End Point: Hotel in Arusha
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/Coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/Africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 8: Departure Day – Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
Enjoy your final morning in Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you might explore the local market or relax at your lodge. When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. You’ve just completed a life-changing adventure — from the equator to the rooftop of Africa!
Price Per Person
Low Season (April, May & November)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
High Season (Rest of the Year)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
- Price Includes
Transport as described in the itinerary
Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary
All National Park and Conservancy fees
Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)
All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover
- Price Excludes
- Entry Visas
- Airport transfers
- Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Single Room Supplements.
- Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
- Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
- Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
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