Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Depart from Arusha at 9am for Machame Gate, where the porters, guides, and cooks will join the six-day trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The journey through coffee plantations and villages to Machame Gate takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, wait at the gate while the climb is registered and the porters and guides finalize preparations. Trek to Machame Camp through the enchanting, moss-draped trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As the forest thins, enjoy the sight of heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather permits, take in the breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, your ultimate goal. The porters and cooks will advance to set up the campsite before your arrival.

Machame Camp to Shira

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today’s trek involves several uphill sections, so ensure you carry ample drinking water as it can be warm on a clear day. There are numerous viewpoints to admire the plains and forests below, and the majestic Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above. Observe the change in vegetation as altitude increases. The trees become smaller, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s renowned high-altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, ascend the Shira Plateau, formed when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Proceed to Shira Camp and unwind for the remainder of the day. Kibo is to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Although this day of ups and downs concludes with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon, you will have ascended 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue through the desolate landscape before pausing for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending swiftly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can opt for a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation protruding from the mountainside.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Depart Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day starts with a 90-minute scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the most challenging part of the day, and in some areas, you may need to use your hands to assist your climb. After reaching the top, hike through relatively flat terrain before making a short but steep descent into the lush Karanga River Valley.

Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, commence the hike to Barafu Camp. En route to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers and the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. On day four, hike past the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu traverses an alpine desert with sparse vegetation, Barafu Camp offers magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to rest after dinner as you will wake before midnight for the summit hike.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most demanding part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until reaching the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as hikes go, not very difficult. However, the altitude makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, capture photos of your guide and group at the peak before starting the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, have breakfast and take a brief rest. There are still another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, conclude the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery after rain. Vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to transport you back to Arusha.

• Quality, waterproof, private mountain sleeping tents
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
• Professional, experienced, mountain guides
• Lunch
• All meals while on the Mountain
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Clean, purified drinking water
• All Park fees, Rescue fees
• Airport transfers

• Person climbing gear
• Tipping
• Visas Fee

This route, our second most popular, provides convenient access to the trailhead, diverse scenery along the way, and ascends from the west. Barranco Camp, the third campsite on this route, is a favorite among our mountain staff. As the most popular camping route overall, expect to be accompanied by many fellow climbers. We provide exceptional service, meticulous route planning, and top-quality equipment to ensure a hassle-free trek and a successful summit. Originally established as a Kilimanjaro trekking company, we have been leading climbs up Kili and Meru for nearly two decades. Mountaineering support remains a vital part of our business. With our extensive experience in organizing treks, we are well-equipped to support you in achieving a successful and safe summit, while also ensuring an enjoyable and fulfilling hiking experience.

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