After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll be transferred to Machame Gate for registration and briefing. The trek begins through the lush rainforest, with chances to spot blue monkeys and exotic birds. The trail gradually ascends to Machame Camp, where you’ll set up tents for your first night on the mountain.

Accommodation: Machame Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

Highlights: Rainforest scenery, wildlife encounters

Leaving the rainforest, the path climbs up through moorland with stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. Today offers a shift in landscape, with clear skies and wide open terrain. You’ll reach Shira Camp in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Shira Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Highlights: Scenic views, acclimatization opportunities

This is an essential acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp, allowing your body to adjust to altitude. The trek is challenging but rewarding, with fantastic scenery throughout.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Highlights: Lava Tower, acclimatization gains, dramatic landscapes

You start the day by climbing the infamous Barranco Wall — an exhilarating experience with breathtaking views. The route then levels out through valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp, your stop for the night.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Highlights: Barranco Wall climb, panoramic views

A short but steady climb takes you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and windswept. After early dinner, you rest and prepare for a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Highlights: Final preparation for summit, sunset views over Mawenzi

Around midnight, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa! The trek is long and challenging, passing through Stella Point (5,739m) before reaching the summit at sunrise. After celebrating and photos, you descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Camping)

Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

Habitat: Arctic summit, alpine and rainforest descent

Highlights: Summit Uhuru Peak, sunrise over Africa, huge accomplishment

After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha (Optional extra)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Highlights: Completion certificate, hot shower and celebration in Arusha