Moshi - Machame Gate - Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon leaving the park gate, the trail winds through the rain forest, ascending a ridge.

The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The journey continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trek leaves the rain forest glades and follows an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The path then turns west into a river gorge. Rest, dinner, and overnight stay at Shira campsite.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

After breakfast, the trek begins from the Shira Plateau, continuing east up a ridge and passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then shifts southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, the second junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m/15,997 ft. The descent continues to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here, rest, dinner, and overnight stay are enjoyed. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, it is crucial for acclimatization and prepares the body for summit day.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is designed for acclimatization. A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads to an undulating trail on Kibo’s southeastern flank, offering stunning views of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and the camp at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft) is reached, marking the last water point on the way to the summit. (This day can be skipped, with the group proceeding directly from Barranco to Barafu Camp, though this reduces summit success rates.)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, the trek leaves Karanga and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The path continues up to Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp is set up here, with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic
The ascent begins by torchlight around midnight to reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree includes well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace leads to Stella Point (18,800 ft) in about five or six hours, with another 40 minutes to the Summit. Uhuru Peak is reached, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still cover much of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly quick from the summit, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, the last dinner on the mountain is enjoyed, followed by a well-deserved sleep.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Moshi - Mweka Camp to Moshi
• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, private transport transfers participants back to the hotel in Moshi.

• 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast post-climb
• Meals including lunch, dinner, and breakfast
• Professional support team with guides, cooks, and porters
• All associated fees and taxes included

• Tips to Guides, cooks and Porters
• Drinks at the Lodges/ Laundry
• Bottled water. Things of Personal Nature and Sleeping Bags
• Visa Fees, Airport Transfers
• Personal Medical / Travel Insurance, Hotel before the Climb

The program takes you on an exciting journey via the picturesque Machame Route, allowing you to indulge in some game spotting and bird observing during the initial days of the trek. Afterwards, it traverses the Shira Plateau, passes through the impressive Grand Baranco Canyon, and proceeds to the peak. If everything goes smoothly, you expect to arrive at Stella Point at sunrise, before continuing on around the rim of Kibo to the summit, Uhuru Peak.

Ready for the challenge?
The Machame route is physically demanding yet not technically challenging, therefore, no previous mountain-climbing skills are necessary. However, the steep uphill climb and high altitudes, which require good physical health (and a minimum age of 14 years) are unescapable aspects of this journey.

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