MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m

Starting from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits will be issued while observing the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues from the rainforest along an ascending path, crossing the valley via a steep rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge, leading to the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m

Although the day ends at a similar elevation to the start, it is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, the path continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, a second junction leads to the Arrow Glacier. The descent continues to Barranco Camp for the night.

BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 676m

Following breakfast, the trek continues up a steep ridge to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This day showcases the crew’s impressive agility and strength as they navigate the wall with apparent ease. The journey proceeds to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking summit views from various angles. An early dinner and rest prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement builds with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

The path continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on the incredible sense of achievement ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, the ascent through heavy scree leads to Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, a magnificent sunrise rewards a short rest. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. The final hour’s ascent to Uhuru Peak likely involves snow. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits at Mweka Camp for the last evening.

MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to say farewell. The descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. With warmer weather, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

Overnight at Kilele Lodge B&B before being transferred for your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.

• Private transportation
• Fair and Sustainable Salary for Crews Gate Transfers
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Professional and knowledgeable guide
• Airport transfers
• Kilimanjaro equipments for camping

• Personal expense lie laundry and alcoholic
• Tips for the guide and the crew team
• Visa fees
• International traveling insurance
• Renting climbing gears

Frequently referred to as the Whisky Route, the Machame trail is widely regarded as one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and preferred choices. This well-liked path winds through striking forests and inclines towards a ridge that carries on through the moorland areas to the Shira Plateau. The trek continues beneath the glacier-laden cliffs of the Southern Ice fields, eventually merging with the Barafu Route towards the peak. Thanks to its manageable slopes and option for prolonged exploration, this route boasts a significantly higher peak reach success rate.

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