Big on Adventure
Designed for those with time constraints, this shorter route features an acclimatization day, an expert-guided nighttime summit bid, and all the Thomson essentials. Ideal for group or charity treks, it’s the ultimate way to conquer Kilimanjaro without compromising on quality.
Elevation and Trek Hours
Review Your Itinerary
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Arrival DayArrive into Tanzania
A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your lodge.
Overnight:
Rivertrees Country Inn
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Acclimatization DayArusha
Relax and acclimatize or independently schedule one of the many exciting activities available at your lodge (per availability; any additional costs paid directly to lodge).
Overnight:
Rivertrees Country Inn
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Trek Day 1Begin Trek to Machame Camp
Begin your journey on narrow rainforest trails, where you’ll set out with many other groups on this popular trail.
Overnight:
Machame Camp (9,301′)
Hours trekking:
5–7
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Trek Day 2Machame to Shira Cave Camp
Vegetation gets sparser as you ascend into the heath, where alien-looking giant groundsels tower over the rocky slopes.
Overnight:
Shira Cave Camp (12,303′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 3Shira Cave to Barranco Camp
Enjoy expansive views of the Barranco Valley from your camp at the base of the Barranco Wall.
Overnight:
Barranco Camp (12,795′)
Hours trekking:
6–7
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Trek Day 4Barranco to Karanga Camp
A challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall is rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. Continue over ridges and valleys before a steep hike to camp.
Overnight:
Karanga Camp (13,107′)
Hours trekking:
4–5
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Trek Day 5Karanga to Barafu Camp
As you near the summit, the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon. Keep an eye out for towering lava formations, remnants of Kili’s fiery past.
Overnight:
Barafu Camp (15,331′)
Hours trekking:
2–3
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Trek Day 6Barafu to Summit | Millennium Camp
Headlamps snaking up the mountain light your way during an overnight summit bid. Celebrate your success at Uhuru Peak (19,341′) with a few quick pictures at the top before trekking much of the way back down the mountain.
Overnight:
Millennium Camp (12,959′)
Hours trekking:
8–10 ascent to summit | 4–7 to descent to camp
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Trek Day 7 | Departure DayMweka Gate | Return Home
Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Land Rovers will be waiting to take you back into town for a shower and some rest before your transfer to the airport this evening.
Day room:
Planet Lodge
Hours trekking:
4–6
photo: Carey Wagner
Add-On
Personal Porter
Strong, friendly, encouraging, and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to Uhuru Peak. Dedicated solely to your trekking needs, your personal porter carries your daypack all the way up and down the mountain. That’s 10–20 pounds off your back, which adds up over the course of a weeklong trek at altitude. Once you’ve booked your trek, ask us about working with a personal porter.
Extend Your Trip
Crater & Plains Safari
From $4,990 per Adult
See the big five and hundreds more species in breathtaking locations like the Serengeti and the lush Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect complement to your Kilimanjaro climb!
Highlights Safari
From $6,890 per Adult
Our premier safari extension features visits to remote Maasai communities, world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a stay in an exclusive private nature refuge.