You will leave Arusha after breakfast and travel to Machame Gate (1490m) where you will finalize registration formalities.  You will then begin climbing up to Machame Hut (2980m) with your professional mountain guide, porters, and cook. Walking hours = 5-7.

After breakfast at Machame Hut (2980m) you will start climbing up to Shira Hut (3840m) where you will take lunch.  After lunch, you will take a gentle walk around the Shira Plateau which affords spectacular views.  Thereafter you will return to Shira Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest. Walking hours = 4-6.

You will leave Shira Hut (3840m) early in the morning and start climbing up to Baranco Hut (3950m), passing Lava Tower on the way, a remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity. Walking hours = 6-7.

After a hearty breakfast you will start the hardest, but perhaps most exhilarating, part of your climb as you cross the Baranco Wall.  At times you may have to use your hands as you scramble over the bare lava rocks, but it will all be worth it when you reach the summit of Barranco Wall.  You will then continue on to Karanga Valley where you will stay overnight. Walking hours = 5-6.

After breakfast you will start climbing up to Barafu Camp (4550m), the final camp before the summit.  Here you will get a chance to relax and prepare yourselves for the final ascent the following morning. Walking hours = 4-5.

NB: It is possible to walk from Baranco Hut to Barafu Hut in one day (Walking hours =8-9), taking lunch in Karangu Valley.  This shortens the trek from 7 to 6 days.  The added night spent in Karanga Valley increases your chances of avoiding altitude sickness but it is not essential if you are short of time.  If you chose to do a 6-day trek you will summit on Day 5 and descend to Mweka Gate on Day 6.

You will be woken in the early hours of the morning to start your ascent to the summit.  You will be accompanied by your professional mountain guide who will offer support and encouragement to ensure that you reach the summit safely.  We will aim for you to reach the summit (5895m) at sunrise so that you can see a spectacular view from the summit.  After a chance to take pictures you will start your descent back to Barafu Hut (4550m) where you will be served a well-deserved breakfast.  After a short rest you will continue descending further until you reach Mweka Hut (3100m) where you will stay overnight. Walking hours = 8 hours up and 8 hours down.