Mountain trekking · Tanzania
Explore Kilimanjaro on this 8-day mountain journey. Tell us your travel dates and group size for a quotation and a detailed programme tailored to your plans.
The journey
Explore Kilimanjaro on this 8-day mountain journey. Tell us your travel dates and group size for a quotation and a detailed programme tailored to your plans.
Trip highlights
Your route
Nairobi → Arusha
We will confirm the day-by-day sequence and overnight stops in your detailed proposal.
Schematic route · See the day-by-day programme for travel details.
Day by day
Day 1
Depart Nairobi at 8am on the shuttle bus to Arusha, a drive of about four hours through the Namanga border with lunch en route on your own account. The afternoon is free to organise any gear you still need for the trek, arrange hire equipment and meet your guide for a briefing on the route. Overnight in Arusha or Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis; lunch and dinner are your own arrangement.
Day 2
The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park takes about 50 minutes, passing through Machame village on the lower slopes. After registration the trail climbs through rainforest on a winding path up a ridge, 18 kilometres in five to seven hours from 1,830 to 3,100 metres. The lower section can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful from the first day. Arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast, leave the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path across a small valley and along a steep, rocky ridge covered in heather until the ridge ends, then turn west into a river gorge and on to the Shira plateau at 3,840 metres. Nine kilometres in four to six hours through moorland, with the first wide views back over the forest and across to Mount Meru. Rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Day 4
From the Shira plateau the trail climbs east up a ridge, passes the junction for Kibo's peak and turns south-east towards the Lava Tower, the Shark's Tooth, at about 4,630 metres. A second junction beyond it leads up towards the Arrow Glacier before the route descends to Barranco Camp at 3,860 metres. Fifteen kilometres in five to seven hours through semi-desert; sleeping at almost the same altitude you woke at, after climbing much higher in between, is what makes this the key acclimatisation day. Dinner and overnight at Barranco.
Day 5
After breakfast, leave Barranco and climb the Barranco Wall, a steep scramble up a rocky ridge that is less difficult than it looks and opens up views of the Kibo ice fields from the top. The trail then crosses the valleys of the southern slopes to the Karanga Valley campsite. The extra night on this eight-day programme keeps today short, leaving the afternoon for rest and a gentle walk above camp before dinner and overnight.
Day 6
After breakfast, climb from the Karanga Valley, with lunch at about 4,200 metres, to the junction with the Mweka trail and on up to Barafu Camp at 4,600 metres. This completes the southern circuit, which has shown the summit from many angles, and both Mawenzi and Kibo are in view from camp. The walk takes around eight hours through alpine desert. Make camp early, rest, eat and prepare equipment for the summit attempt, which starts around midnight. Dinner and overnight at Barafu.
Day 7
Between midnight and 2am the summit push begins, climbing north-west between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,685 metres, the most demanding hours of the trek, with sunrise from the rim if the weather allows. A further hour, possibly on snow, reaches Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest, where afternoon mist or rain is common. Six to eight hours up and seven to eight down; gaiters and poles help on the loose gravel.
Day 8
After breakfast, continue the descent through the forest to the Mweka Gate, 15 kilometres and three to four hours, where summit certificates are issued. The lower trail can be wet and muddy, so keep the gaiters and trekking poles handy, and light clothing is enough with rain gear within reach. From the gate it is another hour on foot to Mweka village, where a vehicle meets you for the drive back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Where you stay
Your written proposal will name the accommodation, room or tent arrangements and meal plan for each night. Share your preferences so we can confirm suitable available options.
Suggested accommodation
Kilimanjaro
Mrimba Palm Hotel
before and after the climb; nights on the mountain are in huts or camps set by the route
Arusha
Charity Hotel
Suggested accommodation is subject to availability. A property of a similar standard may be proposed where necessary.
In pictures
Your quotation will itemise transport, guiding, entry fees, accommodation and meals where applicable. Please confirm the included services with our team before booking.
Ask for an itemised list of exclusions and optional activities with your quotation so you can plan your total travel budget.
When to travel
The clearest and driest climbing windows are generally January to March and June to October. The long rains around April and May and the short rains in November make the route harder underfoot and the summit views less reliable. Mountain weather changes quickly in any season, and your guide will brief you on conditions before each stage.
Read the full season guide →Who it suits
Pricing
On Request
Published catalogue reference rate. Confirm availability and the final quotation for your travel dates.
Made for your plans
Tell us what matters most: time in a particular destination, room preferences, photography or a gentler pace. We will explain the practical options and provide a revised proposal.
Discuss this trip on WhatsApp →Send your travel dates, party size and accommodation preferences. We will confirm availability and send a written quotation before you book.
Ask our team about adjustments to the itinerary, accommodation and pace. We will explain what is practical for your dates and confirm any price changes.
On Request. Ask us to confirm the quotation for your dates and group size.
Some programmes include arrival, preparation or transfer days. Ask us for the confirmed mountain-day schedule and overnight stops for this particular route.
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