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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha (1,400m)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, meet your professional mountain guide for a comprehensive briefing. This includes reviewing the trek itinerary, safety protocols, and conducting a gear check.
Any last-minute equipment rentals can be arranged. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the climb ahead. Arusha offers views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, so take a moment to enjoy the surroundings before your journey begins.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Activity: Briefing and relaxation
- Altitude Gain: —
- What to see: Mount Meru views, bustling Arusha city.
| 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 |
Coffee Lodge Arusha
Lake Duluti Lodge
Africa Safari Arusha
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,850m)
After an early breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive for about two hours to reach Machame Gate, located on the southern base of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, complete park registration and meet the full mountain crew. Begin your trek through the dense and misty rainforest, where you’ll pass towering trees, ferns, and hanging moss.
Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and exotic birds as the trail gently climbs. The path can be muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall, so trekking poles are helpful. After covering about 11 km in 5–7 hours, arrive at Machame Camp. Settle in for the evening, enjoy a hot dinner, and rest under the stars.
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 5–7 hours
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
- Altitude Gain: +1,050m
- What to see: Rainforest, monkeys, birds, lush vegetation.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Machame camp |
Machame camp
Machame camp
Day 3: Machame Camp (2,850m) to Shira Camp (3,845m)
After a warm breakfast, begin your ascent from Machame Camp, moving out of the rainforest and into the open moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically, with shrubs, heathers, and giant lobelias replacing the tall trees.
The trail is steeper today, with several rocky sections, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau as the landscape opens up. Clouds often float below you at this altitude, creating a surreal atmosphere. After trekking approximately 5 km over 4–6 hours, arrive at Shira Camp, perched on a plateau. Take time to relax, acclimatize, and soak in the expansive views.
Distance: 5 km
Walking Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Altitude Gain: +995m
What to see: Moorland, giant heathers, Shira Plateau.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Shira Camp |
Shira Camp
Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,845m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Today’s trek is a key acclimatization day, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Depart Shira Camp and ascend steadily toward the striking Lava Tower at 4,630m, a volcanic rock formation rising from the alpine desert. The climb offers incredible views of the Western Breach and glacier fields.
Spend time at Lava Tower to help your body adjust to the higher altitude, then begin your descent to Barranco Camp. This downhill section reveals the dramatic Barranco Valley, with stunning views of the looming Barranco Wall. The total trek covers 13 km in about 5–7 hours.
- Distance: 13 km
- Walking Time: 5–7 hours
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
- Altitude Gain/Loss: +785m / -680m
- What to see: Lava Tower, alpine desert, Barranco Wall.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Barranco Camp |
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky section that requires scrambling in places but rewards you with spectacular views of the valley below. As you ascend, look back for sweeping panoramas of the Shira Plateau and the trail behind.
After reaching the top, continue along a series of rolling ridges and glacial valleys, with constant views of the southern glaciers of Kibo towering above. The trail features several ascents and descents, offering a great acclimatization opportunity. After trekking for about 4–5 hours over 6 km, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp, perched on a ridge.
- Distance: 6 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
- Altitude Gain: +85m
- What to see: Barranco Wall, glacier views, valleys, mountain ridges.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Karanga Camp |
Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
After breakfast, begin your ascent from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the final base before your summit attempt. The trail climbs steadily over loose volcanic scree and dry terrain as you move from moorland into the stark, windswept alpine desert zone. Though the distance is only 4 km, the altitude gain and thinning air make the hike challenging, taking 4–5 hours. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll rest, hydrate, and have an early dinner while your guide briefs you for the summit push. The camp offers views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit ridge of Kibo. Try to sleep early—your summit attempt begins at midnight.
- Distance: 4 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
- Altitude Gain: +638m
- What to see: Alpine desert, Mawenzi Peak, Kibo summit ridge.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Barafu Camp |
Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,820m)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight, ascending through the freezing alpine night with headlamps lighting the way. The trail is steep and demanding, passing Stella Point (5,756m) before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Witness a spectacular sunrise over the crater rim.
After celebrating and taking photos, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast. Then continue down to Millennium Camp through changing terrain, from alpine desert back into moorland. This grueling but unforgettable day covers about 19 km in 10–11 hours.
- Distance: 19 km
- Walking Time: 10–11 hours
- Accommodation: Millennium Camp
- Altitude Gain/Loss: +1,222m / -3,075m
- What to see: Glaciers, sunrise over Africa, crater views, changing landscapes.
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Millennium Camp |
Millennium Camp
Millennium Camp
Day 8: Millennium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
After a well-deserved night’s rest, begin your final descent from Millennium Camp back into the lush rainforest zone. The trail is soft underfoot and surrounded by rich greenery, with moss-covered trees, wildflowers, and the sounds of exotic birds. You may spot monkeys and other wildlife as you make your way down.
The descent is about 10 km and takes 3–4 hours, gradually leading to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. Take time to thank your guides and porters before being driven back to Arusha. Enjoy a warm shower, a celebratory dinner, and a restful evening at your hotel.
- Distance: 10 km
- Walking Time: 3–4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Altitude Loss: -2,180m
- What to see: Rainforest, birds, monkeys, tropical flora.
| 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 |
Coffee Lodge Arusha
Lake Duluti Lodge
Africa Safari Arusha
Day 9: Departure from Arusha
Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, taking time to reflect on your incredible journey to the Roof of Africa. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore nearby local markets, visit a craft shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind at the hotel. If the skies are clear, you might catch one last glimpse of Mount Meru in the distance.
Later, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, arriving in good time for check-in and departure. As you leave Tanzania, you’ll carry unforgettable memories of Kilimanjaro, its landscapes, and the warmth of its people.
- Activity: Transfer to airport
- Accommodation: —
- Altitude Gain/Loss: —
- What to see: Local markets, Mount Meru, Arusha town.
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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