Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions representative and driven approximately 45 minutes to one hour to your accommodation in Arusha. Budget travelers will enjoy the convenience and comfort of Outpost Lodge, while midrange guests may stay at the serene Arusha Planet Lodge. Luxury travelers will find the Arusha Coffee Lodge to be a beautiful retreat surrounded by lush coffee plantations. After check-in, the day is yours to unwind, adjust to the climate, enjoy the lodge amenities, or explore nearby attractions. Optional activities include visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre, touring a local coffee farm, or enjoying a gentle Arusha city tour. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you depart Arusha on a scenic drive of about one and a half hours to Machame Gate, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters. This is the starting point of your Machame Route trek. After completing registration formalities, your journey begins through rich montane rainforest vegetation with tall trees, moss-covered roots, and abundant birdlife. The trail is approximately 11 km and takes between 5 and 7 hours. Along the way, you may encounter blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and vibrant forest flowers. The temperature cools as you ascend, and the air becomes fresh and crisp. Upon reaching Machame Camp at 3,000 meters, you will enjoy a warm meal prepared by your chef and settle in for the night. Meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today you trek from Machame Camp toward Shira Plateau, a dramatic landscape transition from rainforest to moorland vegetation. The distance is about 5 km and requires 4 to 6 hours of hiking. The trail begins with a steep climb through rocky ridges before opening up into a vast plateau offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and the Shira Cathedral. The climb gradually exposes you to higher altitude, aiding acclimatization. Along the way, you may observe giant heathers, volcanic rock formations, and panoramic vistas of Mount Meru. Arrive at Shira Camp at 3,840 meters for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

This is an important acclimatization day. You will trek approximately 10 km over 6 to 8 hours through high alpine desert terrain. The trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, where you will have lunch and spend time adjusting to altitude. This high point of the day strengthens your acclimatization profile and increases summit success rates. Afterward, you descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters, passing through scenic valleys and dramatic landscapes. The descent helps your body adapt to altitude variation while offering breathtaking views of the Western Breach and towering cliffs. Overnight with dinner at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today begins with the iconic Barranco Wall, an exhilarating non-technical scramble that rewards climbers with some of the best views on the route. The trek covers approximately 5 km and typically takes 4 to 5 hours. After conquering the wall, the trail undulates through a series of ridges and valleys, showcasing some of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque scenery. The route crosses small streams, rocky paths, and high-altitude vegetation zones. Arrival at Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters marks the end of the day. This camp is strategically placed for acclimatization, offering time to rest and prepare for the final ascent to base camp. Dinner and overnight provided.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you begin a steep climb toward Barafu Camp, located at 4,640 meters. The trek covers 4 km and typically takes 4 to 5 hours. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, marked by volcanic gravel and sparse vegetation as you move closer to the alpine desert. Barafu Camp serves as your base camp for the summit attempt. From here, you have breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak and the trail to Uhuru Peak. You will have an early dinner and rest, preparing for your summit climb in the early hours of the next day.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. You will ascend approximately 5 km over 7 to 8 hours, climbing slowly but steadily up steep switchbacks through the arctic zone. The rewarding moment arrives as you reach Stella Point, followed by the final stretch to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. Here, you witness a breathtaking sunrise and the vast expanse of glaciers, crater rims, and the African plains below. After celebrating your achievement, you descend approximately 12 km to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters. The descent is long and requires careful focus as you transition from rocky terrain into dense forest zones. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Today you complete the final descent through lush rainforest, covering 10 km in 3 to 4 hours. The air grows warmer and more humid as you move downward, and you may encounter birds, monkeys, and beautiful vegetation. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificate recognizing your achievement. A vehicle will then transfer you back to Arusha, where you will relax at your chosen accommodation and enjoy a much-deserved dinner. Meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 9: Rest Day in Arusha

This is a day dedicated to rest, recovery, and celebration. You may enjoy a relaxed morning, pamper yourself at a spa, or explore Arusha’s cultural attractions. Optional activities include visiting a Maasai market, exploring the Shanga cultural center, taking a coffee plantation tour, or enjoying a guided city excursion. Overnight stay with dinner included.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable adventure, leaving you with cherished memories of your Kilimanjaro summit and your time in Tanzania.