Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Gran Melia Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where a DKE representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and Mount Meru views, it’s the ideal place to rest before your climb.
Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha

Day 2: Acclimatization Excursion – Arusha National Park

Spend the day exploring Arusha National Park’s diverse scenery—Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and Mount Meru forests. Spot giraffes, colobus monkeys, and over 400 bird species while preparing your body for higher elevations. Evening briefing with guides for climb preparation.
Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha

Day 3: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

Begin your trek at Machame Gate after registration. The trail ascends through lush rainforest alive with wildlife, waterfalls, and endemic plants. Expect a 6-hour hike with steady elevation gain before reaching Machame Camp.
Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp

Day 4: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,800m)

The forest gives way to moorland and heath zones. Today’s trek takes 5–6 hours with expansive views across the Shira Plateau and unique plants like giant lobelias. The plateau offers sweeping panoramas of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp

Day 5: Shira Camp (3,800m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

One of the key acclimatization days. Ascend to Lava Tower for lunch at 4,630m, then descend to Barranco Camp for overnight. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy boosts acclimatization while offering dramatic views and varied landscapes.
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)

Climb the Great Barranco Wall, a highlight of the route. Enjoy breathtaking views before descending into the Karanga Valley. Today’s trek focuses on acclimatization with plenty of rest and moderate elevation gain.
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

Day 7: Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

A short but steady ascent to Barafu Camp through alpine desert terrain. Arrive in time for lunch and rest before the midnight summit push. Guides will prepare you for summit night strategy and equipment.
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Summit day begins around midnight. Climb to Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at the summit before descending to Barafu, then continue to Mweka Camp. Total trekking time 12–13 hours.
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Arusha

Descend through rainforest trails to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A driver transfers you back to the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, rest, and celebration.
Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha