Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 7 hours

Distance: Around 18 kilometers

Habitat: Montane forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, the operator will be picked up and driven to Machame Village. In the village, mineral water can be purchased and a packed lunch will be provided. Depending on road conditions, the journey will either continue by vehicle to the Machame gate or involve a 3 km walk, taking about an hour. Upon registering at the gate office, the ascent begins, entering the rainforest almost immediately. Rain is likely, making the trail wet, muddy, and slippery. A lunch break is scheduled halfway, and the Machame camping area will be reached by late afternoon.

The porters, who arrive at the campsite ahead of the operator, will have set up the tent. In the evening, they will boil water for drinking and washing, and the cook will prepare dinner before the operator retires for the night. Night temperatures at this campsite can drop to freezing.

Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 6 hours

Distance: Around 9 kilometers

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day starts early at Machame Camp, and after breakfast, the operator climbs for about an hour to the forest’s edge, followed by a gentler two-hour hike through the moorland zone. After a brief lunch and rest, the journey continues up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By this point, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers becomes visible to the east. The operator is now west of Kibo, and after a short hike, the Shira campsite at 3,840m is reached. The porters will boil water for drinking and washing before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will be colder than the previous one, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.

Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco Camp (at 3950m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 7 hours

Distance: Around 15 kilometers

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The route now heads east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630m after about a 5-hour walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4,630m). This is the most challenging day so far. It is usually at this point that some climbers may start to experience symptoms of breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch, the operator descends by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area. After reaching the high altitude of 4,600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. The descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers excellent opportunities for beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, providing a memorable sunset while waiting for dinner preparation.

Barranco Camp (3950m) - Barafu Camp (4550m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 7 hours

Distance: Around 13 kilometers

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a night at the Great Barranco Wall, the operator ascends this impressive obstacle, which often turns out to be easier than anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, the beauty of Kilimanjaro is truly appreciated. The route then descends through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, joining the Mweka route. This is the preferred descent route from the summit, so it should be remembered. Turning left up the ridge, after another hour or so, Barafu Hut is reached.

The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu Camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area for the night. Exposed to constant gales, tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Familiarizing oneself with the terrain before dark is essential to avoid accidents. The summit is now 1,345m higher, and the final ascent will be made the same night. Equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing should be prepared for the summit attempt. This includes replacing headlamp and camera batteries and ensuring a spare set is available. To prevent freezing, water should be carried in a thermal flask. Retire to bed around 19:00 to get some valuable rest and sleep.

(Summit attempt) Barafu Camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8 hours to descend to Mweka

Distance: Around 7 kilometers ascent – 23 kilometers descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The operator will rise around 23:30, and after some tea and biscuits, will set off into the night. Heading in a north-westerly direction, the ascent continues through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella Point is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the route. At Stella Point (5,685m), a short rest is taken, and the most magnificent sunrise is witnessed (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow is usually encountered all the way on the 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time spent on the summit depends on the weather conditions. It is advised not to linger too long, as restarting will be extremely difficult due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy the achievement and a day to remember for a lifetime. The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes about 3 hours. Here, a well-earned but brief rest is taken, and the rest of the gear is collected. The route is not difficult and leads down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking duration: 3 hours

Distance: Around 15 kilometers

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast

Following a well-deserved breakfast, the staff will host a big celebration filled with dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that tips will be presented to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, the descent to Mweka Gate takes about three hours. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) receive green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). A hot lunch will be served, followed by a drive back to Moshi town for long-awaited showers and further celebrations.

• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Friendly and professional guides, cook and porters
• All park entry and camping fees included
• Treated & filtered drinking water provided
• 2 nights accommodation in Moshi with transport to/from airport
• High-quality mountain tents and double-layered sleeping mats
• Portable oxygen tanks & medical equipment for safety
• All transportation including to/from Kilimanjaro gate
• All government taxes, VAT & rescue fees covered

• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Tips for guides, porters and

Safe Voyage

Your safety and satisfaction is our primary focus. Whether you’re venturing on an adventurous safari, ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, or exploring the many beaches of Africa, Kilisa Tours and Safari and its representatives are constantly strategizing for your well-being. Our extensive experience and regional expertise allow us to anticipate and expertly handle any potential risks. Our professionals are always open to thoroughly discuss any safety or comfort questions you might have during your safari.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.