•Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

The journey begins with a drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the charming village of Machame, nestled on the mountain’s lower slopes.

Upon leaving the park gate, the trail winds through the lush rain forest, ascending a ridge. The path can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

•Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, the hike resumes, leaving the rain forest glades and ascending along a steep, rocky ridge covered with heather. The path crosses a small valley before turning west into a river gorge. The day concludes with rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at Shira Camp.

•Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert

The trek continues eastward from the Shira Plateau, ascending a ridge and passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The route then shifts southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After the tower, the path reaches a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft. The descent to Barranco Hut at 13,000ft follows, where rest, dinner, and an overnight stay await. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it began, it is crucial for acclimatization, preparing the body for summit day.

•Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the journey continues up a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to reach the Karanga Valley campsite. This shorter day is designed for acclimatization.

•Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

Following breakfast, the trek proceeds to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing to Barafu Hut. Here, the South Circuit is completed, offering diverse summit views. Camp is set up for rest, dinner, and preparation for summit day, with views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic

In the early morning (midnight to 2am), the ascent to the summit begins between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the trek’s most mentally and physically demanding section.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), a short rest is taken, offering a chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting). From here, snow may be encountered on the final hour’s ascent to the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak marks the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.

The descent follows directly to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are advisable for the loose gravel descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon. The evening concludes with a final mountain dinner and a well-deserved rest.

•Mweka Camp to Moshi

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transport you back to a hotel in Arusha.

• Lunch included
• Dinner included
• Breakfast included

The seven-day Machame variation is the perfect schedule for this route. On the seven-day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is divided into two days, providing a shorter day just before the summit attempt. This is crucial because the summit day starts very early, around midnight, leaving climbers sleep-deprived for the most challenging day on the mountain. By having a shorter day beforehand, climbers can be more well-rested.

The seven-day Machame route is highly recommended and favored by most leading Kilimanjaro operators.

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