7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour | Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary

This 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour takes you on an exciting hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, located in Tanzania.

The adventure includes hiking through different scenic zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glacier areas. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views, picnic lunches, and encounters with birds and mammals.

This Tanzania hiking tour is ideal for travelers who love nature, photography, and outdoor challenges. On the final day, you’ll receive a certificate to celebrate your achievement of conquering Africa’s highest mountain.

Highlights of the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters.
Experience five vegetation zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.
Enjoy picnic lunches and scenic views along the trail.
See unique plants and wildlife, including monkeys and mountain birds.
Witness a sunrise from Stella Point and stand at Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.
Receive a certificate of achievement at the end of your trek.

Brief 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Camp
Day 2: Hike to Shira Camp
Day 3: Hike to Barranco Camp
Day 4: Hike to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Hike to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit to Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Descend to Mweka Gate & Transfer to Arusha

Detailed 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Itinerary

7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Camp

Meet your driver guide and transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park at the Machame Gate for a briefing with your trekking crew. Register for the hike, hire porters to help carry extra luggage, and prepare your food supplies.

Start your hike following the park ranger’s guidance. You’ll pass through the Afromontane forest, where you may spot monkeys, birds, and many plant species. The hike takes about 5 to 7 hours, ending at Machame Camp at an altitude of 7,350 feet above sea level.

Day 2: Hike to Shira Camp

Continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind as you head toward Shira Camp. The hike lasts about 5 to 6 hours. The vegetation changes to heather and open moorland, with lobelia plants and rocky ground. You’ll see lava formations and glacial valleys before stopping for a picnic lunch.

In the evening, relax at camp and enjoy views of snow-capped Kibo Peak.

Day 3: Hike to Barranco Camp

This is one of the more challenging days, covering about 7 kilometers in 7 to 8 hours. You’ll climb higher into the alpine desert zone as Kibo Peak becomes clearer. Stop for a picnic lunch and continue hiking through giant lobelias and groundsel plants.

Enjoy the scenic Barranco Valley before arriving at Barranco Camp, which sits at an altitude of 15,223 feet.

Day 4: Hike to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin your ascent up the Barranco Wall, one of the highlights of the trek. The climb takes about 5 to 6 hours. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sunset and sunrise views, perfect for photography.

Day 5: Hike to Barafu Camp

Today’s hike lasts about half a day, giving you time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Barafu Camp is located in an alpine desert, where the air is thin and the winds can be strong.

Have an early dinner around 6 PM and rest well for the climb to the summit later that night.

Day 6: Summit to Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp

This is the most exciting day of your climb. Wake up around midnight and begin your trek to the summit. The trail is steep, cold, and windy, but determination will keep you going.

Reach Stella Point (18,652 feet) to witness a beautiful sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa, known as the “Roof of Africa.”

Take photos and enjoy the moment before descending through the alpine desert and rainforest to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.