Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
In the morning, you'll depart from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drive to the Umbwe Gate. After completing registration, the mountain crew will finalize preparations. The trek begins through the lush, moss-draped cloud forest along a steep and sometimes slippery trail. As you gain elevation, the dense vegetation begins to thin, revealing heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. The day ends at Umbwe Cave Camp, your first overnight stop.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trail continues along a steep forested ridge with dramatic views and fewer trees as you ascend. The terrain becomes more open and rocky, with increasing elevation bringing you into the moorland zone. After reaching the ridgeline, the path flattens slightly before descending into the scenic Barranco Valley. You’ll arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon, nestled below the impressive Barranco Wall.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a short scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a traverse across a landscape of ridges and scree beneath hanging glaciers. After a rest at Karanga Valley, you’ll continue upward, crossing the junction with the Mweka descent trail. The path leads to Barafu Camp, perched in the alpine desert zone. From here, you'll have panoramic views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the summit climb.

Day 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Distance: 5km ascent / 11km descent
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent, 6–8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
Your summit push begins around midnight with a demanding ascent over rocky terrain to Stella Point on the crater rim. From there, it’s a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the incredible views and capturing summit photos, you'll descend back to Barafu for a short rest and meal. The day continues with a long descent to Mweka Camp, where you'll spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 5: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Following breakfast, you’ll complete the final descent through the rainforest, enjoying the lush scenery and sounds of birdlife along the way. The trail can be slippery, so take your time. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificate and meet your transport for the return drive to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Included:

• Kilimanjaro National Park fees

• Climbing permits, gate fees, and camp/hut fees

• Salaries for guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters

• Certified, experienced English-speaking guides on all routes

• Porters to carry luggage between camps

• Three meals per day and bottled water (1.5 litres per person per day)

• Rescue fees as required by the national park

• Transportation to and from the gate and hotel

• All camping equipment including foam sleeping pads, pillows, and sleeping bags with cotton liners suitable for Kilimanjaro temperatures

• Cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils

Excluded:

• International flights

• Optional activities and personal expenses

• Alcoholic and soft drinks

• Visa fees

• Tips for the mountain crew

• Personal spending money for souvenirs and other items

• Travel insurance