7 Days
Transfer from Arusha to Machame Gate. Trek through lush montane rainforest — colobus monkeys overhead, the air rich with moss and earth. Arrive at Machame Camp after 5-6 hours.
Leave the forest and climb through heath and moorland. Open ridges with dramatic views south across the plains. The vast Shira Plateau opens ahead. 4-5 hours trekking.
The acclimatization day — climb high, sleep low. Ascend to Lava Tower above the clouds then descend to the Barranco Wall with first views of the Southern Ice Fields.
Begin with the famous Barranco Wall scramble — hands and feet on dramatic volcanic rock above the clouds. Extraordinary views of the Shira Plateau. Continue to Karanga Camp.
Critical acclimatization day. Trek through barren alpine desert to Barafu Camp — the summit launch pad. Eat well, hydrate obsessively, sleep by 6 PM for midnight start.
Midnight departure. Arctic zone, -15 degrees. Dawn breaks in extraordinary orange between 5,000-5,500m. Summit Stella Point at sunrise then continue to UHURU PEAK (5,895m). Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificate. Transfer to Arusha for a celebration dinner.