DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The journey from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes. Upon leaving the park gate, the path leads through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

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

DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves the rainforest glades and follows an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route then turns west into a river gorge. Rest, dinner, and overnight stay are at the Shira campsite.

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

DAY 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Baranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, the second junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft. The descent continues to the Barranco Hut at 13,000ft. Here, rest, dinner, and overnight stay are enjoyed. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, it is crucial for acclimatization and prepares the body for summit day.

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

DAY 4: Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues along a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is intended for acclimatization.

.Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
.Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
.Distance: 3 miles
.Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves Karanga and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The path continues up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp is set up here, with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

. Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,300ft
. Hiking time: 4-5 hours
. Distance: 2.5 miles
. Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - In the early morning (midnight to 2am), the trek continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The path heads northwest, ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point, a short rest is taken, and the most magnificent sunrise can be witnessed (weather permitting). Snow may be encountered during the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent is reached. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit. The descent continues straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. Later, the last dinner on the mountain is enjoyed, followed by a well-deserved sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi/Arusha

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, the trek continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

. Elevation: 10,000ft to 5400ft
. Hiking time: 3-4 hours
. Distance: 6 miles
. Habitat: Rain Forest

• Camping equipment
• 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi or Arusha before and after
• All meals included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
• Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
• Professional guides, cooks and porters
• Airport pick up and drop off

• – International flights – Tip– Insurance fees – Cost of Tanzania

Machame Route, also known as the “whiskey route,” is favored for its stunning views and diverse landscapes. However, it is more challenging to climb compared to the Marangu route. Despite being steeper and longer, the Machame route boasts a higher success rate than the Marangu route.

While not technically difficult, the Machame Route is more tiring due to its numerous ascents and descents across a series of valleys and ridges. This makes it ideal for those with some hiking or trekking experience and a love for adventure. For first-time climbers, the route can be quite exhausting.

The Machame Route begins in the south and heads east, passing beneath the southern ice fields before reaching the summit. Typically, it takes a minimum of six days to reach the summit via this route, though seven days is recommended.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.