Arusha to Machame Camp

Machame - Elevation: 1830 meters to 3100 meters
Distance: 18 kilometers
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon leaving the park gate, the trail leads through the rainforest along a winding path up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The journey continues a short distance until reaching Machame Camp, where the night will be spent.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Machame - Elevation: 3100 meters to 3840 meters
Distance: 9 kilometers
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trek leaves the rainforest glades and continues on 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 an overnight stay will be at the Shira campsite.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Machame - Elevation: 3840 meters to 4630 meters to 3860 meters
Distance: 15 kilometers
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
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 an altitude of 4876 meters or 15,997 feet.

The descent continues to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860 meters or 12,664 feet. Here, rest, dinner, and an overnight stay are planned. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will aid in preparing for the summit day. After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Machame - Elevation: 3860 meters to 4600 meters
Distance: 13 kilometers
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200 meters or 13,779 feet), and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The journey continues up to the Barafu Hut. The South Circuit is completed here, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp is set up here, with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters) to Mweka Hut

Machame - Elevation: 4600 meters to 5895 meters to 3100 meters
Distance: 7 kilometers ascent / 23 kilometers descent
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours ascent / 7 to 8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
In the early morning (midnight to 2:00 a.m.), 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. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

At Stella Point (5685 meters or 18,652 feet), a short rest is taken, and the most magnificent sunrise is witnessed (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the one-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. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will warm up by the end of the hiking day. Clothing for both extremes should be carried.

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 can be expected in the late afternoon.

Mweka Camp to Arusha

Arusha - Elevation: 3100 meters to 1830 meters
Distance: 15 kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, the descent continues down 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 journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Arusha.

• Transport to and from the mountain
• Team of porters, guide, and cooks
• All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Certificate of achievement upon completion
• All hut and camping fees covered

• Beverages and mineral water
• Items of personal nature
• Personal climbing gear including clothing and rucksack
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips for the guide, porters, and cooks

Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing Safari Tanzania
If you are up for a challenge, then join this hiking safari where you will be tasked to climb up the Kilimanjaro mountain by way of the Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route. This adventure awaits you with breathtaking landscapes and scenery throughout your whole trip! You will find spectacular views sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates beauty.

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