Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Begin the day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before departing in the vehicle around 8am, aiming to reach Machame Gate (1640 meters) by 10am. The first task is to complete registration formalities before starting the trek. Meet the mountain guides, porters, and the rest of the team who will accompany the ascent.

The initial part of the walk features a wide path winding through dense forest, with beautiful tall trees covered in green moss. Kibo Peak can be seen to the east. Arrival at camp is expected around 5pm, allowing a couple of hours to rest before dinner.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Machame Camp To Shira Caves

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today’s journey is short and steep, ascending to over 3804 meters. Starting early at 8:30am, the camp should be reached by 2pm, encountering moorland lobelias and the distinctive dark obsidian rock of Shira Plateau. From Shira Caves, enjoy natural sights like the ‘Shira Cathedral,’ Klute Peak, and Mount Meru before dinner at 6pm.

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Shira Caves To Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The day begins with breakfast at 7am and departure at 8:30am, trekking across the stony Shira Plateau. Initially, vegetation is sparse, with hardy lichens to admire. Climb towards the Lava Tower, with a picnic lunch around 1pm. After passing the day’s highpoint by the Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp. At camp, enjoy views of Kibo’s southern face and the Heim Glacier. Dinner is served at 7pm.

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Breakfast is at 7:30am with an 8:30am departure. The walk is short, about 6km/3 miles, but takes 4 to 5 hours. The hardest part is scrambling up the near-vertical Barranco Wall. At the top, enjoy views of the Heim Glacier. The walk then becomes easier, descending to the gully below and into the cold but beautiful Karanga Valley. Continue with a steep zig-zag climb to Karanga Camp (4033 meters). The altitude gain today is 160 meters.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Another short day in terms of distance begins with breakfast at 7:30am and an 8:30am departure. Aim to arrive at Barafu Camp (4556 meters) by 1pm for a cooked lunch. Dinner is at 5:30pm, allowing for an early bedtime. After leaving Karanga, the stage climbs steadily through barren, rocky landscape, with Decken and Kersten glaciers visible to the left. The goal is Barafu Camp (4556 meters), reached after a short, steep scramble and walk.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The schedule for ‘Summit Day’ is unique. Rise at 11pm, enjoy tea and biscuits at 11:30pm, and depart at midnight. Begin a long, challenging climb from Barafu (4556 meters) to Stella Point (5756 meters); some of the trek involves walking on scree, adding difficulty.

From Stella Point, there’s another 139 meters of ascent and a 45-minute walk to the summit. The goal is to reach the top (5895 meters) by 7am, celebrate, take photos, and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the summit, return to Barafu (4556 meters) for a couple of hours of rest, brunch, and then depart at 1:30pm to descend to Mweka Camp (3100 meters).

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 5 km / 12 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours / 4-6 hours

Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro National Park - On the final day of trekking, continue the descent to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

• Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Four season, 3-person mountain tents
• Transport to and from Arusha to the trail head

• Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, travelers etc.
• Tips for the crew
• And all not mentioned in the itinerary above.

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the south-west, we take the popular Machame Route, with a total trip time of seven days, this is giving us even more acclimatization time and an even better chance of reaching the summit. Lush rainforest and Alpine moorland characterize the Machame Route, a trek which is challenging, make no mistake, despite the extra time given to acclimatize. You will have a private vehicle to take you to and from the mountain.

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