Climb Kilimanjaro on either the Machame or Marangu route. Both plans include acclimatization, a summit attempt at Uhuru Peak, and a descent through the mountain’s changing landscapes.
The route
Mountain landscapes along the climb
Mount Kilimanjaro
Climb through changing mountain landscapes toward Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro climbing route
A high-altitude route through Kilimanjaro’s mountain zones.
Kilimanjaro summit journey
The climb toward the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho mountain trail
Hikers on a Kilimanjaro trail.
Mountain route at a glance
- 01Trailhead
- 02Mountain camps
- 03Uhuru Peak
- 04Descent
Day-by-day itinerary
Machame Route
Day 1 · Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Climb through the rainforest to Machame Camp.
Day 2 · Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Continue above the forest to Shira Camp.
Day 3 · Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp.
Day 4 · Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Cross the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
Day 5 · Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue to Barafu Camp in preparation for the summit attempt.
Day 6 · Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
Ascend to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7 · Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate.
Marangu Route
Day 1 · Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Begin the climb through the forest to Mandara Hut.
Day 2 · Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Continue through the moorland to Horombo Hut.
Day 3 · Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
Spend a day at Horombo Hut to acclimatize.
Day 4 · Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Climb to Kibo Hut and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 5 · Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut
Ascend to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 6 · Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut
Descend to Mandara Hut.
Day 7 · Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate
Continue down through the forest to Marangu Gate.