Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Umbwe Camp (2,940m/9,646ft)

• Altitude Gain: 1,140m/3,741ft
• Walking Time: 5-7 hours
• Description: Begin your trek at Umbwe Gate. The trail initially passes through dense forest, gradually gaining altitude. As you ascend, the forest thins out, and you’ll reach Umbwe Camp situated in the heath zone.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,940m/9,646ft) to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) via Barranco Wall

• Altitude Gain: 1,020m/3,346ft
• Walking Time: 6-8 hours
• Description: Today’s trek starts with a steep ascent through the moorland zone. You’ll encounter the Barranco Wall, a challenging section requiring some scrambling. Once atop the wall, the trail levels out as you traverse the scenic Barranco Valley before reaching Barranco Camp.

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,107ft)

• Altitude Gain: 35m/115ft
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Description: The trail from Barranco Camp begins with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall. Afterward, it’s a relatively short trek to Karanga Camp. This day serves as an acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

Day 4: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,107ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)

• Altitude Gain: 678m/2,224ft
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Description: The route from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp involves a steady ascent through alpine desert terrain. Barafu Camp, located at the base of Kilimanjaro’s summit, serves as the final camp before the summit push.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

• Altitude Gain (to Uhuru Peak): 1,222m/4,010ft
• Altitude Loss (to Mweka Camp): 2,795m/9,171ft
• Walking Time to Uhuru Peak: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent to Mweka Camp
• Description: The summit attempt typically begins in the early hours of the morning (around midnight). The trail ascends steeply to Stella Point, located on the crater rim, before continuing along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)

• Altitude Loss: 1,460m/4,790ft
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Description: The final day of the trek involves a descent through the forest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll complete park formalities, receive your summit certificates, and bid farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to your accommodation.