Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

• Elevation : 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance : 6 km
• Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
• Habitat : Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Elevation : 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance : 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
• Habitat : Moorland
• Meals : BLD

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation : 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Distance : 10 km
• Hiking Time : 6-8 hours
• Habitat : Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the Sharks Tooth. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation : 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance : 9 km
• Hiking Time : 8-10 hours
• Habitat : Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

• Elevation : 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• 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 : BLD

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha or Moshi

• Elevation : 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance : 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
• Habitat : Forest
• Meals : B

After breakfast we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel.