Arrival Day

Moshi - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the trip leader will greet you. A vehicle will transport you to your accommodation at either Bristol Cottages or Parkview Inn.

Relaxation Day

Moshi - Enjoy a leisurely morning to unwind. After lunch, there will be a brief orientation and equipment check, followed by a town tour. Dinner and overnight stay at Bristol Cottages or Parkview Inn.

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, hike to Machame Camp (3000m/10,000’)

Machame - Depart from the hotel after breakfast around 9:30 am. Travel to Machame Gate to meet the guides and porters. Begin the climb from Machame Gate to Machame Camp, approximately 3000m. The hike takes 5-7 hours through lush tropical forest. Mountain Camping B.L.D

Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3840m/12,600’)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today is a relaxed acclimatization day. Hike over streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. The camp is situated on the Shira Plateau, offering views of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. Hiking time is 4-5 hours. Mountain Camping B.L.D

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3950m/13,000’)

Mount Kilimanjaro - This is a crucial acclimatization day, ascending to 4250M/15,000’ before overnighting at Barranco. Ascend through moorlands to the alpine zone, where only the hardiest grasses and lichens survive. This high-altitude desert offers stunning views of Kibo’s Western Breach. After about 4 hours, the path forks right and descends into a gorge (‘Barranco’ in Swahili). Expect some ‘up and down’ walking today, which can be tiring. Hiking time is 5 to 6 hours. Mountain Camping B.L.D

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (4200m/13,100’)

Mount Kilimanjaro - In the morning, climb the Barranco wall (not a technical climb) and follow the Kibo South Circuit. If the weather is clear, enjoy spectacular views of Kibo’s Southern glaciers. This is a relatively short day, arriving at the camp just after the Karanga Valley, set atop a ridge, by lunchtime. Today is a valuable acclimatization day, with morning walking and descending various ridges and valleys. Hiking time is 3 to 4 hours. Mountain Camping B.L.D

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4630m/15,200’)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today’s trek is steadily uphill. As you progress to Barafu Camp, the temperature drops and the landscape becomes more sparse. Barafu means “ice” in Kiswahili. The camp is on an exposed ridge and serves as the staging point for the summit push. Arrive by late lunchtime, allowing ample time to rest before the final summit attempt. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. B.L.D

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak/Mweka or Millennium Camp (11,000’)

Mount Kilimanjaro - A challenging day! Depart the campsite at midnight. The climb from Barafu to Stella Point is steep. At Rebmann Glacier (4870m), head north between Rebmann and Ratzel Glacier for breathtaking views. This leads to the crater rim just west of Stella Point (about 6 to 7 hours), where you join the main trail for the final stretch (about an hour) to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reach Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. Enjoy spectacular views of Africa in all directions before clouds roll in. Hiking time is 7 to 8 hours. Descend via the Mweka route, where tents will be pitched for the last time. The section from Uhuru to Barafu (4 hours) is scree, then continue downhill through various vegetation zones to Mweka, on the rainforest edge (3-4 hours). B.L.D

Descend Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive back to Moshi

Moshi - The final hike of 3 to 4 hours descends 3,500 feet to Mweka Gate. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery if wet. Trekking poles are recommended. At the gate, bid farewell to the mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. Trip leaders will return you to your hotel for a refreshing hot shower. Bristol Cottages or Parkview Inn. B.L

Departure

Moshi - For those heading home, transportation to Kilimanjaro International Airport will be provided for your flight. Those continuing on safari or to Zanzibar will be picked up at the hotel to continue their Real Life African adventure. B.

• Boiled or filtered water on the mountain
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Camping accommodation during hike
• Emergency Oxygen, oximeters, hyperbaric chamber and Flying Doctors Insurance
• Guide, chef and porters salaries
• All Park Fees

• International or Local Flights
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Tips
• Travel insurance

The Machame route is now the most popular ascent route on Mt Kilimanjaro. Compared with the Marangu route, the hiking days on the Machame route are longer, the trail steeper.

The scenery is spectacular and the landscape stunning. The Machame route is considered a challenging route and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest. It descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco Wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro southern ice field.

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