From Kilimanjaro airport, go spend the night in one of the nearest towns Arusha or Moshi. Although farther, Arusha has more facilities.
The next day, take a taxi to the Machame Gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park (or your guide, guide and porters being compulsory on Kili, will simply take you there).

Route Description

. First day: hike through VERY muddy trail to Machame Camp (alt 2.980 m. dist. 18 km). Dense jungle .
. Second day: hike through a nice landscape of small bushes to Shira Camp (alt 3.840 m, dist. 9 km)
. Third day: from then on, the landscape becomes very lunar. Hike to Barranco Camp (alt. 3950 m). Alternative route through Lava Tower (alt 4.630 m) and back down to Barranco.
. Fourth day: the day starts with the climbing of the Great Barranco Wall, the only portion of the trip where you will have to "get your hands out of your pockets", although it is nothing a 10 year-old could not do. It nicely breaks the monotony. Then hike to Barafu Camp (alt 4.550 m, 7 hours)
. Fifth day: Depart around 1 am, hike up kibo through Stella point around sunrise, then to Uhuru Peak (alt. 5.986 m) one or two hours later. Then back down to Barafu or more likely to Mweka Camp (alt. 3.100 m !).
. Sixth day: out of the Park through Mweka route. Don't forget your diploma delivered at the gate. ;-)

Essential Gear

Nothing much, since it is not a technical climb. Even crampons are not necessary, just some warm clothing for summit day.
Since porters carry everything, you should bring a small day pack for some stuff you might need during the day hike.
Also: two ski poles might be a good idea: I was slipping and skiding in the mud when I saw some guys gliding past me using ski poles for balance.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

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