Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The journey begins with a drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, approximately a 2-hour trip, where entry formalities are completed. From there, a drive leads to the Machame trailhead. Upon arrival, the hike commences through pristine forest, winding its way to the first campsite. Lunch is enjoyed en route.
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, the path leads through dense rainforest up the ridges to Machame Camp.

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The trail continues out of the rainforest into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing several streams, the path reaches Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here, the first view of Kibo across the plateau is captured. Lunch is taken en route, either hot or packed.
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
Leaving the rainforest glades, the path ascends to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, the trail passes through heather and open moorlands, crossing a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The journey continues east up a ridge, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descending through the Seneca Forest, the path leads to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Starting and ending at the same altitude is beneficial for acclimatization.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a descent into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. A non-technical but steep 900 ft climb follows. Descending, the path crosses a series of hills and valleys to reach Karanga Valley. Another steep climb leads to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed for proper acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Karanga, the path reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, marking the completion of the southern circuit. This point offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. The camp is set up here, allowing for relaxation and dinner in preparation for the summit day. From this vantage point, both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
At midnight, the ascent to the summit begins, marking the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time can be intense. The climb is done in darkness with frequent, short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak is witnessed. Finally, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa, is reached. The descent continues straight to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu Camp for lunch. The rocky trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. Arrival at Mweka Camp is followed by the final dinner.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the descent continues to Mweka Park Gate. Those who reached the summit receive certificates here. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient, but rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a car awaits to transfer back to Arusha for a pre-arranged hotel stay for dinner and overnight. The walk from Mweka Camp to Mweka Village covers 10 km and takes about 3-4 hours. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Arusha.

• Lunch
• Park fees, camping, rescue, and transport
• Supplementary Oxygen
• Meals included throughout the tour
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Accommodation Before and after the Climbing.
• Tips to mountain crew.

Kilimanjaro stands as the pinnacle of Africa and is the world’s tallest autonomous peak. It boasts a unique ecosystem that encapsulates every type of terrestrial habitat and transitions you from the Equator to the Arctic in a single journey! The expedition encompasses a verdant tropical forest, sprawling alpine pastures, desert highlands, culminating in the frosty, ice-capped apex. The Machame route offers a scenic yet demanding trail. The journey involves 7 days of hiking and 6 nights of camping on the mountainside. This route promises an immensely gratifying experience on a popular, yet not overly saturated trail.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.