Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: The Rooftop of Africa!

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Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: The Rooftop of Africa!
Arusha, Tanzania
Jul 7 - 15, 2026
The Wanderlust Rose image
The Wanderlust Rose
$2,395
Deposit: $500

About this trip


After an amazing group trek here in 2022, (where all 16 of us successfully reached the summit!!) and 2023 where all of us reached the summit again. I am so excited to introduce you to my amazing mountain guide! I won't be on this trip, but leave you in the very capable hands of Remmy who has summited Kilimanjaro over 600 times! 


Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an epic, high-altitude adventure.  This is a wild adventure that is extremely challenging but rewarding!


This 7-day trek up the Machame Route of Mount Kilimanjaro will be difficult both mentally and physically. But it's called "The Rooftop of Africa" for a reason and the views from the top will make it all worth it. 


TRIP DISCLAIMER: I WILL NOT BE ON THIS TRIP. In addition, a high-level of fitness and prior hiking experience is required for joining this adventure. The trek gains more than 13,000 feet of elevation over 7 days in high-altitude conditions. We chose the 7-day Machame route as this gives trekkers longer on the mountain, and increases the success of summiting. 


What's included

Expert Local Guides

Crew of porters

Amazing, hard working locals who carry everything we need up the mountain including all your food, tents, clothing & more!

All Accommodation

Double Occupancy in 3-star Hotels and Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)

Tent & Mattress for Trek

All Meals

8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 8 Dinners

Private Cook

All City Transfers

All Park Fees

(Including Camping, Conservation, & Rescue)

Purified Drinking Water

Emergency Oxygen Cylinde

Quality Mess tents

What's not included

International Flights

Tanzania Visa

Personal Gear

Personal Trekking Equipment Such as Sleeping Bags, Hiking Boots, etc (Available for Renting)

Travel Insurance

Day 1

Day 1  image

Welcome to Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! 

We suggest flying into the Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) where your airport representative will meet you to bring you to our hotel.


At 6pm we will have a welcome dinner to meet your fellow trekkers. 


And after dinner, we will have our expert guide look over our gear. Everything must be thoroughly checked to make sure you're ready for the adventure that lies ahead.  If anything is missing from the packing list, we'll get you sorted before leaving in the morning. 

Day 2

Day 2  image

Begin the trek!

Base -> Machame Camp Trek

Today's hike starts out in the rainforest as you wind your way up the ridge. 

You'll carry your day bag with water, rain gear, snacks and any essentials while the porters run ahead to camp with our overnight gear. 


The final destination for today is the Machame camp! 

Elevation: 6,000 ft to 9,950 ft 

Distance: 7 mi 

Hiking Time: 6-7 hrs

 Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 3

Day 3 image

Machame -> Shira Camp Trek

Today you'll leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. 


You'll have beautiful views of Mount Meru as we ascend higher and higher.


All meals will be provided on the trail and at the campsite by our amazing team of porters. 


Elevation: 9,950 ft to 12,600 ft 

Distance: 3 mi 

Walking Time: 5-6 hrs 

 Habitat: Moorland

Day 4

Day 4 image

Shira -> Barranco Camp Trek

Today we ascend to the beautiful Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 15,250 ft). Here we will have lunch and acclimatize before heading back down to a lower elevation campsite, Barranco Camp. 


Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summiting. 


In the evening, we'll stargaze and enjoy hot cocoa at camp. 


Elevation: 12,600 ft to 13,000 ft

 Distance: 6 mi 

Walking Time: 6 hrs 

Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 5

Day 5  image

Barranco -> Karanga Camp Trek

Today we do what the guides call "Monkey Business" and climb over the fun but challenging Barranco Wall!  There are many rocks to be scaled and ledges to scramble along. 


 Marvel at the stunning views and sweeping vistas as you continue to acclimatize to the elevation! 


Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,250 ft

 Distance: 3 mi 

Climbing Time: 4-5 hrs 

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6

Day 6 image

Karanga -> Barafu Camp Trek

You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. 


Here you'll make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. 


Elevation: 13,250 ft to 15,350 ft 

Distance: 2 mi 

Climbing Time: 4 hrs 

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7

Day 7 image

Barafu Camp -> Summit Trek

SUMMIT DAY!! Get ready, it won't be easy but it will be worth it.  
(You can watch the highlights from last year here.)


Around midnight, we will meet to begin ascending in the dark, under the light of the stars. 


You will hear our guides say over and over again, "pole, pole." Meaning "slowly, slowly." 


One foot at a time, we will slowly conquer the mountain. At such high elevation, it's impossible to move quickly. 


At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. 


From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1 hour ascent to the summit. 


Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! 


Snap some photos, celebrate with the group, and bask in the accomplishment you have just achieved. 


From the summit you'll begin your descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. 


You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. You'll arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last evening on the mountain.


Warning: this is a long and difficult day but one you are sure to remember forever! 



 Elevation: 15,350 ft to 19,340 ft, Down to 10,150 ft

 Distance: 3 mi up , 8 mi down 

Hiking Time: 7-8 hrs up, 6 hrs down 

Habitat: Loose rocks and ice-capped summit

Day 8

Day 8  image

Mweka Camp -> Base Trek

Rise and shine for our final breakfast at camp! 

Load up on food & coffee before we complete the descent.  At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.  


When we arrive back at the Mweka gate, we will be taken back to our hotel in Moshi for our farewell dinner to celebrate this great accomplishment! 


Elevation: 10,150 ft to 5,500 ft 

Distance: 6 mi 

Hiking Time: 5hrs 

Habitat: Forest

Day 9

Day 9  image

Farewells & Depart!

Say goodbye to your fellow travelers for now! 


Your airport transfer is included. 

Location

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1. Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha, Tanzania

About your organizer

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! After 33 countries and 29 states, I decided to start bringing others along on my adventures with me! Check out my website TheWanderlustRose.com or my Instagram (@thewanderlust_rose) for all things travel and adventure. I can't wait to meet you!

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