Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a professional Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions representative will welcome you and transfer you to Arusha for your overnight stay. Depending on your preference, you will stay at Outpost Lodge for budget, Arusha Planet Lodge for midrange, or Arusha Coffee Lodge for luxury. The journey to Arusha takes approximately one hour, covering about 50 km. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring Arusha town, enjoying the lodge facilities, or preparing for the climb. Dinner is included, allowing you to begin your adventure well-rested.

Day 2: Arusha to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

After breakfast, you will begin a scenic 2 to 3 hour drive to Umbwe Gate at 1,640 m, passing through rural villages, banana plantations, and rolling foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you complete registration and meet your climbing team, the trek begins immediately with one of the steepest forest ascents on the mountain.
The trail climbs sharply for approximately 11 km and usually takes 6 to 8 hours, weaving through dense rainforest filled with towering trees, hanging vines, moss-covered roots, and colobus monkeys. As you ascend quickly, the vegetation becomes thinner, and ridgeline views begin to open up. You will arrive at Umbwe Camp at 2,943 m, where dinner will be served.
Extra activities: rainforest photography, birdwatching, evening acclimatization walks.

Day 3: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Today’s ascent takes you from the lush rainforest into the moorland zone. The trail continues steeply upward, passing along narrow ridges that offer dramatic views of deep gorges and the towering Western Breach. This 6 km trek typically takes 4 to 6 hours, with elevation gain becoming more noticeable.
As you approach Barranco Camp at 3,976 m, the landscape opens into the iconic Barranco Valley, known for its massive volcanic walls, giant senecio plants, and unrivaled views of the Kibo icefields. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot meal and settle in for the night.
Extra activities: ridge exploration walks, scenic photography of the Barranco Valley.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This day begins by conquering the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling and technically simple scramble that rewards climbers with stunning elevated views over the valley. The ascent is one of the most memorable sections of the entire Kilimanjaro climb.
The trek covers about 5 km and takes 4 to 5 hours, winding through alpine desert terrain and crossing several small valleys before reaching Karanga Camp at 3,995 m. This area is known for its sweeping landscapes, crisp mountain air, and remarkable views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Dinner is served as you continue acclimatizing for the summit push ahead.
Extra activities: acclimatization ridge walks, sunset viewing, high-altitude photography.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue upward toward Barafu Camp, covering roughly 4 km in 4 to 5 hours. Although the distance is short, the trail becomes steeper and more demanding as the elevation increases. Vegetation disappears, giving way to gravel slopes and cold winds as you approach Barafu Camp at 4,673 m.
This is your base camp for the summit attempt, offering quiet time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare. Spectacular views over the southeastern glaciers and Mawenzi peak dominate the horizon. Dinner is served early to allow enough rest before the night-time summit bid.
Extra activities: summit briefing, acclimatization hikes, high-altitude photography.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. Guided by headlamps and the stars, you will ascend slowly but steadily toward Stella Point, navigating a steep 5 km climb that takes 7 to 8 hours. From Stella Point, trek another 45 to 60 minutes along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. The sunrise views from the summit stretch across glaciers, volcanic formations, and endless landscapes below.
After celebrating and taking photographs, begin your descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m, covering about 12 km in 4 to 6 hours. The terrain is loose and steep in sections, requiring careful footing. Upon arrival at camp, enjoy a warm dinner and well-earned rest.
Extra activities: crater rim photography, guided summit documentation video.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Today’s final descent takes you back into the lush rainforest, covering 10 km in approximately 3 to 4 hours. You will arrive at Mweka Gate at 1,640 m, where you will sign out and receive your official Kilimanjaro climbing certificates.
Your Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions driver will then transfer you back to Arusha for a relaxing evening at your lodge of choice. Dinner is included as you unwind after completing one of the world’s most iconic mountain challenges.

Day 8: Rest Day in Arusha

This day is dedicated to full relaxation after your physically demanding expedition. You may choose to visit local markets, explore cultural centers, take a town tour, or simply rest at your lodge. Many climbers enjoy massages, spa treatments, or gentle nature walks around Arusha. Dinner is included, marking a peaceful final night in Tanzania.
Optional activities: coffee farm tour, local food experiences, cultural village visits.

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This concludes your unforgettable high-altitude adventure with Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions.