Mount Kilimanjaro

Hotel to Machame Camp

After breakfast and a briefing, we embark on a drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, a journey of about 45 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, nestled on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Upon reaching the park gate, we complete necessary park formalities and then commence our trek through the rainforest. The trail winds its way up a ridge, with the lower elevations characterized by muddy and slippery terrain. It's advisable to use gaiters and trekking poles in these conditions. We continue until we reach Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Following breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades behind and proceed along an ascending path. The trail gradually steepens as we cross the valley via a steep rocky ridge. Our journey takes us westward, passing the Shira 1 camp, until we reach the Shira 2 campsite, situated amidst moorland meadows by a stream.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, our path veers eastward up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. Continuing southeast, we head towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Following the tower, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Although we end the day at a similar elevation to our starting point, this day aids in acclimatization, crucial for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we tackle a steep ridge, climbing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We ascend to the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This section offers various angles of the summit. At Barafu, we set up camp, rest, dine, and prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

In the early hours of the morning (midnight to 2 am), we proceed towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Navigating a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment is mentally and physically demanding. After a brief rest at Stella Point, we continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak, offering an awe-inspiring sunrise for those reaching the top. Descending from the summit, we make our way to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters may be necessary for the loose gravel during descent.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (summit) then down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Following breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, the terrain may be wet and muddy, for which gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Shorts and T-shirts are suitable attire, with rain gear and warmer clothing available as needed. At Mweka gate, our vehicle awaits to transport us back to the hotel in Arusha, approximately a 60-minute drive.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3hours