Arrival – Arusha

Arusha - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), with the code JRO, the guide will greet you and transport you to your hotel in Arusha.

There will be an opportunity for a briefing about the Kilimanjaro trek and a review of your packing list.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - At approximately 08:00 in the morning, the guide will be ready at the hotel to pick you up and take you to the Kilimanjaro gate to begin your trek. The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate is about 60 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, the trail winds through dense rainforest up a ridge until reaching Machame Camp.

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

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the guide will lead you to the next camp. Depart the rain forest glades and continue on an ascending path up a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira Camp.

Elevation: 9,950 ft to 12,600 ft
Distance: 5.3 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the guide will lead you to the next camp. Continue east up a ridge, then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descend to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although the day begins and ends at the same elevation, time spent at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi 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: Semi Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the guide will lead you to the next camp. Start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. A steeper climb leads to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the guide will lead you to the next camp. Depart Karanga and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp here, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Wake up around midnight. The guides will lead you to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time can be extreme. Ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit, descend straight to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful.

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Kilimanjaro National Park - On the final day, the guides will lead the descent to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate and drive you back to the hotel in Arusha.

The following day is departure day. Depending on your flight time, you will be taken from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure home or to another destination.

• Private transportation
• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Meals Plan, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• All group equipment
• Lunch
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Complete medical kits
• A certificate documenting your summit conquest
• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Two-night accommodation
• Tips for guides, cook and porters
• Dedicated support crew

• Local, international airfares and departure taxes
• International Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Personal Expenses

The Machame route, often referred to as “the Whiskey Route,” is considered one of the most stunning paths to ascend Kilimanjaro. As the second most favored choice among climbers, it provides a diverse array of views, landscapes, and experiences.

Accommodation throughout the ascent and descent is exclusively in mobile tents, ensuring a camping experience. The campsites along the journey are strategically positioned to facilitate a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. On the third day, the Machame Route merges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp.

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