DAY 1: MACHAME GATE & MACHAME CAMP.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 5,380 ft. to 9,350 ft.
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The journey begins with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, passing through the charming village of Machame on the mountain’s lower slopes. Upon leaving the park gate, the trail winds through a lush rain forest, ascending a ridge until reaching Machame Camp for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 9,350 ft. to 12,500 ft.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
The path continues from the rain forest glades, ascending to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, hikers traverse heather and open moorlands, crossing a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp for the night.

DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER.

Mount Kilimanjaro - SHIRA 2 CAMP
Elevation: 12,500 ft. to 15,190 ft.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
Elevation: 15,190 ft. to 13,044 ft.
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The route continues east up a ridge, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, a striking 300 ft. volcanic rock formation. The descent to Barranco Camp passes through the unique Senecio Forest, ending at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Despite starting and ending at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a descent into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a climb up the nearly 900 ft. cliff. From the top, the trail crosses hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb leads to Karanga Camp, designed as a shorter day for acclimatization.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 13,106 ft. to 15,331 ft.
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Departing Karanga, the trail meets the junction with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to the rocky Barafu Hut. Completing the Southern Circuit offers diverse summit views. Camp is set here, with rest and an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this vantage point.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 15,331 ft. to 19,341 ft.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Elevation: 19,341 ft. to 10,065 ft.
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The summit push begins around midnight, presenting the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The cold and wind at this altitude can be intense. Ascending in darkness, with frequent short breaks, leads to Stella Point (18,900 ft.), where a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak awaits. Finally, reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa, is achieved. The descent continues directly to Mweka Hut, with a lunch stop at Barafu. The rocky trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon. The evening concludes with a final mountain dinner and a well-deserved rest.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On the final day, the descent to Mweka Gate continues, where summit certificates are collected. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy. From the gate, the journey extends another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transport hikers back to the hotel in Moshi. The adventure concludes here.

• Tour guide
• Transportation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Anything extra if not mentioned

The Machame route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, is the most favored path on Kilimanjaro. Its appeal lies in the breathtaking scenery it offers. Despite its beauty, the trail is known for being difficult, steep, and demanding, mainly due to its shorter schedule. As such, this route is more suitable for adventurous individuals or those with prior experience in high-altitude hiking or backpacking.

The route begins from the south of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting with a brief drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Hikers are led through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau, where several of Kilimanjaro’s routes meet. The path then heads east, passing beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit, before reaching the summit from Barafu. The descent is completed via the Mweka route.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Dress code is smart casual
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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