Day 1: Nairobi to Moshi
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania. Crossing the Namanga border, you’ll enjoy views of the savannah before arriving at the foothills of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you’ll check into Keys Hotel Moshi, where you’ll rest and prepare for the climb. Dinner and overnight stay are provided on a half‑board basis.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (11 km, 5–7 hrs, 3,000m)
After breakfast, the team departs for Machame Gate. Here, guides conduct a thorough gear check and briefing. The trek begins through lush rainforest, with towering fig trees and the calls of exotic birds. The trail is often misty and alive with wildlife. After a packed lunch en route, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where dinner and overnight stay in tents await.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (6 km, 5–7 hrs, 3,840m)
The day starts with a steady climb out of the rainforest into the moorland zone. The vegetation thins, revealing sweeping views of Shira Plateau. Lunch is served midway, and by early afternoon you’ll reach Shira Camp. After resting, you’ll explore Shira Plateau and visit Shira Cave, learning about its volcanic history. Dinner is accompanied by traditional songs and introductions to the Cushy Adventures crew.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,600m) and Barranco Camp (3,980m)
This is a key acclimatization day. The trek ascends steadily to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation at 4,600m. Lunch is enjoyed here before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,980m. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude. The descent offers spectacular views of the Western Breach and the Barranco Valley. Dinner is served with stories and camaraderie under the stars.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga and Barafu Camp (4,640m)
The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble where climbers “kiss the wall” as they ascend. The route continues through alpine desert to Karanga Camp, where lunch is served. From here, you push onward to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night. The barren landscape and cold winds remind you of the challenge ahead. Early dinner and rest prepare you for the midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: Summit Attempt — Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
At 11 pm, climbers wake for tea and biscuits before beginning the midnight ascent. With headlamps lighting the way, the trail climbs steeply through scree and ice. By sunrise, you’ll reach Stella Point, and shortly after, the summit at Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Here, you’ll savor the moment, take photographs, and celebrate your achievement. After descending to Barafu Camp for brunch, the trek continues down to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
The final descent passes through rainforest, alive with birdsong and fresh mountain air. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your certificate of achievement from Cushy Adventures. A final briefing and celebration mark the end of the trek before returning to Moshi.
Day 8: Moshi to Nairobi
After breakfast, the team drives back to Nairobi via the Namanga border. The journey is filled with reflections, laughter, and the satisfaction of conquering Kilimanjaro.
