Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha or Moshi to Machame Gate. Trek through the montane forest along a winding trail up a ridge to Machame Camp. Lower sections may be muddy; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.
Elevation: 1,830m – 3,000m | Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Vegetation: Montane Forest

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Leave the rainforest and ascend across rocky ridges covered in heather, moving west onto a river gorge. Arrive at Shira Camp for rest and overnight.
Elevation: 3,000m – 3,840m | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Vegetation: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Climb east from Shira Plateau, passing the junction to Kibo Peak. Continue southeast to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp. This day is critical for acclimatization.
Elevation: 3,800m – 4,630m – 3,986m | Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Vegetation: Semi-desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

Ascend the Barranco Wall, pass through Karanga Valley, and continue to Barafu Camp. Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Elevation: 3,900m – 4,600m | Distance: 9 km | Hiking Time: 8 hours | Vegetation: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp

Begin the summit climb very early (midnight–2am) toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. Descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
Elevation: 4,600m – 5,895m – 3,100m | Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 3 hours descent | Vegetation: Scree & ice-capped summit

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

Descend through forest to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. Vehicle transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Elevation: 3,100m – 1,830m | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Vegetation: Forest