MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft

Altitude gained: 1210m

Starting from Moshi, a 45-minute drive leads through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Permits are issued while observing the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as the guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft

Altitude gained: 818m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues from the rainforest on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west onto a river gorge, leading to the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft

Altitude gained: 147m

Although the day ends at a similar elevation as it began, it is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, the path continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after, a second junction leads to the Arrow Glacier. The descent continues to Barranco Camp for the night.

BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft

Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, the trek continues up a steep ridge to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This day showcases the crew’s impressive strength and agility as they navigate the wall with apparent ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft

Altitude gained: 628m

The journey continues towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking summit views from various angles. An early dinner and rest prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.2MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 1233m

Descent to 3106m/10,190ft

Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement builds as the day begins early, between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

The path continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on the incredible sense of achievement ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, the ascent continues through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. A magnificent sunrise rewards a short rest here. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. The final hour’s ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to encounter snow.

Congratulations, step by step, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa, is reached!

MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft

Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to say farewell. The descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. With warmer weather, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet at Mweka village to drive back to the hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees
• Camping gears
• Sleeping bags
• Private Portable toilet
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Hotel in Moshi (before and after climb)
• Tips to the crew
• Personal Hiking gears

A completely local organizer offers guests the chance to meet and hike Kilimanjaro alongside local teams from start to finish.

With Enthusiasm Kilimanjaro Climbing, there is a 100% success rate to Stella Point and a 97% success rate to Uhuru Peak. The summit is always reached, as the team provides support from arrival until reaching the top of Africa.

The professional local team, including guides and chefs, are fully qualified with Kilimanjaro Mountain services.

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