Arrival in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro International Airport - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Hilbas representatives will greet you, provide transportation to the hotel for refreshing showers, comfortable accommodations, a briefing, and gear checks. Any necessary equipment can be rented as well.

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Camp
Elevation: 1800m/5940ft to 2900m/9570ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest.
You will be picked up from the hotel and driven 45 minutes to Machame Gate, passing through villages on the mountain’s lower slopes.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Shira Camp
Elevation: 2900m/9870ft to 3750m/12375ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is the shortest day. After breakfast, the trail ascends a steep rocky ridge offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and Mt. Meru floating among the clouds.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3750m/12375ft to 3900m/12870ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a long trek across the plateau heading east toward Kibo, then southeast to the Lava Tower. Reaching Lava Tower (4600m/15180ft) takes 3-4 hours, where packed or hot lunches are served. This area is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for summit day. Afterward, continue to Barranco Camp, taking 2 hours, where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3900m/12870ft to 3930m/12969ft to 4670m/15411ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 8 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland

The day starts with a descent into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine, followed by a steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall, offering views of Heim Glacier and stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro above the clouds. The trail winds through the Karanga Valley, and after a hot lunch at the camp, the journey continues to Barafu Camp across barren scree slopes. The remainder of the day is for rest, preparing for the final ascent with an early night summit walk. The camp provides breathtaking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3900m/12870ft to 3930m/12969ft to 4670m/15411ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 8 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is a special day when dreams come true. The guide will wake you around 23:00 for tea and biscuits. The summit begins with a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, using well-graded switchbacks at a slow, steady pace towards Stella Point on the crater rim (5696m/18800ft) over 5 to 6 hours. After a brief rest, continue for about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak (5895m), where you can take photos at the summit. The descent to Barafu campsite is swift. After lunch, continue descending through the moorland to reach the final Mweka Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay on the mountain’s last day.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - Mweka Camp
Elevation: 3100m/10230ft to 1700m/5610ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
This is another significant day where the staff will celebrate with singing and dancing. The descent follows a well-maintained trail through the beautiful rainforest, rich with birds, tall trees, flowers, and other fascinating sights. The route concludes at Mweka Gate, where all hikers sign out and receive completion certificates. A Hilbas tours driver will transport you back to the hotel, passing through coffee and banana farms around Mweka village.

Departure from Tanzania

Chanya Lodge - After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight home.

• Two hikers shared a tent on Mount Kilimanjaro (except for solo climbs).
• 3 standard meals a day on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
• All our guides hold Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery, etc.)
• Medical kits
• Transportation from the hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park and back to the hotel.
• All drinks on the hike (Coffee, tea, Milo tea, water, etc).
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp masters, porters, cooks, etc.).
• Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal, and other meal plans are available
• Two nights in the hotel, before and after climbing, - 2 guests per room (except for solo climbs)
• Guides, porters, waiters, cook’s accommodation, Entry fees on the mountain and Salaries
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park, -Camping fees, Vehicle fees, Rescue fees.
• Transportation from JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for pick-up and drop-off.
• Oxygen cylinders and Oximeters
• Professional / Experienced English-speaking Mountain guides, licensed by –Kilimanjaro National Park.

• Lunch and dinner at the hotel ($15-20 per person per meal)
• Tips for the mountain crew (optional and based on your satisfaction with the trip)
• Tanzania visa and travel insurance
• Personal gear (hiking clothes and footwear, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, souvenir money)
• Tips for the crew.

Considered the most scenic of the various routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route up Kilimanjaro. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south; beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. It continues through the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge and Mount Kilimanjaro. The route proceeds to Lava Tower and descends towards Barranco Wall via the Southern Circuit. It summits at Barafu and descends through the Mweka route. We recommends 6 or 7 days on this route, but 7 days are preferable for better acclimatization.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.