Day 0: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we provide a seamless transfer to your hotel. Mvuli Hotel Arusha serves as your base, featuring comfortable rooms, hot showers, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi. In the evening, your lead guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing to inspect your gear and walk you through the final logistics for the “Whiskey Route.”

• Main Destination: Arusha Town

• Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel Arusha

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Drinks: Drinking water included

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, we drive to the Machame Gate. Once registration is complete, we begin our trek through the lush, emerald rain forest. This zone is often misty and damp, home to exotic birds and Colobus monkeys. We arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.

• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

• Distance: 11 km | 7 miles

• Habitat: Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. We reach the Shira Plateau, where you can see the Western Breach and its distinct glaciers.

• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft

• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

• Habitat: Heath

• Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Shira Plateau Exploration

This extra day is unique to the 8-day itinerary and is vital for acclimatization. We spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau. We may hike toward the Shira Cathedral or the Lent Hills. This gentle activity helps the body adjust to the altitude before the harder days ahead.

• Elevation: 12,500 ft (Exploration up to 13,800 ft)

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Distance: 4 km | 2 miles

• Habitat: Heath / Moorland

• Meals: All meals included

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. We head to the Lava Tower (15,190 ft) for lunch and acclimatization. Afterward, we descend to Barranco Camp. This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (Lava Tower) to 13,044 ft (Camp)

• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by scaling the Great Barranco Wall. Although it looks intimidating, it is a fun, non-technical scramble. At the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of Kibo’s southern glaciers. We then traverse a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today is a steady uphill climb to Barafu Camp. “Barafu” is the Swahili word for ice, and the camp is situated on a narrow, exposed ridge. This is our “High Camp.” We will finish our hike early, have a hot dinner, and attempt to sleep as the summit bid begins at midnight.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Distance: 4 km | 2 miles

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals: All meals included

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Around midnight, we begin our push for the summit. The trail ascends steeply toward the glaciers. We reach Stella Point (18,900 ft) at sunrise, followed by the final hour to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the roof of Africa, we descend back to Barafu for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation (Ascent): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

• Elevation (Descent): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

• Hiking Time: 12-15 hours total

• Distance: 5 km (up) / 12 km (down)

• Habitat: Arctic / Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final leg of our journey is a descent through the tropical rain forest to Mweka Gate. After the “tipping ceremony” for your mountain crew, you will receive your gold certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

• Habitat: Rain Forest

• Meals: All meals included

Reach the Roof of Africa with Mangalo Expeditions!