Trek from Machame Gate (1,800m) through dense montane rainforest (5–7 hrs). Arrive at Machame Camp with views of the Shira Plateau.
Ascend out of the forest into heath and moorland. Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp with first views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers.
Acclimatisation day — hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) then descend to Barranco Camp. Classic "climb high, sleep low" technique.
Ascend the dramatic Barranco Wall — a scramble up near-vertical rock with spectacular views. Continue to Karanga Valley Camp.
Hike to Barafu — your launching point for the summit. Rest and prepare equipment. Early dinner and midnight summit briefing.
Midnight start — ascend Kibo's crater rim in darkness and cold. Arrive at Stella Point (5,756m) for sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend all the way to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer to Moshi or Arusha.