MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m

Starting from Moshi, a 45-minute drive leads through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits are issued amidst the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as the guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues from the rainforest along an ascending path, crossing a valley on a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west into a river gorge, leading to the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m

Although the day ends at a similar elevation as it began, it is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, the path continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after, a second junction leads to the Arrow Glacier. The descent continues to Barranco Camp for the night.

BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 676m

After breakfast, the trek continues up a steep ridge to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This day showcases the crew’s impressive agility and strength as they navigate the wall with apparent ease. The journey proceeds to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking summit views from various angles. An early dinner and rest prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m

The trek continues to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides stunning summit views from multiple perspectives. An early dinner and rest prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.2MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement builds as the day begins early, between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

The journey continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on the incredible sense of achievement ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, the ascent continues through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, a magnificent sunrise rewards the effort. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. The final hour to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snowy.

Congratulations, step by step, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa, is reached!

After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few joyful tears, take a moment to savor this incredible achievement. The descent to Mweka Camp begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits for the last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to say goodbye. The descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. As the weather is significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet at Mweka village to drive back to the hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes) or Arusha. Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

• Professional multilingual driver/guide (English, Spanish, French)
• Includes all camping gear
• Meals provided (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Complimentary drinking water and soft drinks
• All fees and taxes included
• Catering for other dietary needs available on request

• Visas
• International flights
• Tips and gratitude for driver Guide and safari cook
• Travel insurance

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenics and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of the summit.

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