Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Machame Gate to Machame Camp
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The trek begins at the park gate, leading through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The hike 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: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, the journey continues from the rain forest glades along an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route then turns west into a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight stay at the 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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then changes to the South East 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 16,000ft. The descent continues to the Barranco Hut at 13,000ft. 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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, the trek continues from Barranco along a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is designed for acclimatization.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, the journey continues from Karanga to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The trek proceeds to the Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Here, camp is set up, dinner is enjoyed, and preparations for summit day are made. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the early morning (midnight to 2am), the ascent to the summit begins between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest, ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), a short rest is taken, offering the chance to witness a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent is reached. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.

The descent continues straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected 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

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Breakfast

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, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
• Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• Emergency first-aid kit
• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Park entry fees
• Camping fees
• Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees & services

• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides, porters and cook
• Flights
• Tented Portable flush toilet for rental - US$100 for the entire trip to be shared in a group
• Personal items and toiletries

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

The excursions provided through Kilisa Tours and Safari are guaranteed to be priced equally to or lower than those found elsewhere. This assurance solely applies to the same or nearly the same excursions conducted by Kilisa Tours and Safari (not by other providers) when booked under identical conditions, including the destination, duration, party size, time of year, included activities, lodging, dining options, and travel arrangements.

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