Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll be greeted by your Classic Guides Expeditions representative. You’ll have a pre-trek briefing, discussing your itinerary, gear, and safety measures. You’ll stay overnight in a comfortable hotel where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Arusha to Shira Gate and Trek to Shira Camp

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Shira Gate (about a 4-hour drive). At an elevation of 3,600 meters, the trek begins from here, and you’ll start hiking towards Shira Camp. The day’s hike takes you through moorland, with great views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side. The trek is relatively short but offers plenty of time for acclimatization. You’ll camp overnight at Shira Camp, which offers stunning views of the mountain.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Back to Shira Camp

This day serves as an acclimatization day. You’ll hike up to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), which is a volcanic feature offering incredible panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding areas. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend back to Shira Camp for the night. This day is designed to help your body adjust to the higher altitudes and prepare for the next stages of the trek.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Today’s trek takes you from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp. You’ll cross several beautiful landscapes, including alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The route takes you along the ridge, offering dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and the towering Kilimanjaro massif. The trek to Barranco Camp is about 5-6 hours, and you’ll spend the night here in the heart of the mountain.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This day involves trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. The trek includes the famous Barranco Wall, a steep, but short, climb that provides a thrilling challenge and rewarding views at the top. From the top of the wall, it’s a gentle descent to Karanga Camp, located at an elevation of 4,000 meters. You’ll spend the night here, with enough time to acclimatize and relax.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

On this day, you’ll trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, which is situated at 4,600 meters.

The route is a gradual climb, taking you through a rocky terrain with stunning views of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro’s summit. The trek takes approximately 4-5 hours. After reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have dinner and rest in preparation for your summit attempt.

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Summit day is a challenging yet rewarding experience. You’ll start the ascent to Uhuru Peak around midnight or early morning, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb is strenuous, and temperatures can be very cold as you ascend through the night. Once you reach the summit, you’ll experience breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin your descent back to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. It’s a relatively easy descent through the rainforest, taking about 4-5 hours. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha. Afterward, you’ll celebrate your successful climb with a well-deserved meal and relaxation at a hotel in Arusha.

Day 9: Departure

On your final day, you’ll have the option to relax in Arusha before departing for the airport or continuing your Tanzanian adventure.