The tour will begin with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, which will take about 50 minutes. We’ll pass through the quaint Machame village located on the south-western slope of Kilimanjaro. After we have signed into the national park and all the formalities have been taken care of, we’ll begin our trek through the rainforest keep your eyes out for wildlife including monkeys.

Accommodation

Camping at Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1,640m/5,380feet to 2,850m/9,350 feet

Distance: 11km/6.8 miles

Hiking time: 5-7 hrs

Habitat: Rainforest

We will say goodbye to the rainforest and continue up the path onto a steep, rocky ridge. After we pass over the Shira Plateau, the land opens up to heather and moorland before we cross a large river and reach Shira 2 Camp.

Accommodation

Camping at Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 2,850m/9,350feet to 3,800m/12,500feet

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Habitat: Heath

Elevation: 3,800m/12,500feet to 4,630m/15,190 feet

Distance: 7km/4 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

Today will begin with a trek towards the Lava Tower (a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation). We’ll continue down to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest. This day is special because you’ll begin and end at the same altitude, very beneficial for acclimatization.

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 4,630m/15,190feet to 3,975m/13,044 feet

Distance: 3km/1.8 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

The day will start by heading down into a ravine before we tackle the Great Barranco Wall. It’s not a technical climb but it is steep, nearly 900feet of steepness. From the top, we’ll then continue our trek twisting and turning before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. After another short but fairly steep climb, we’ll reach Karanga Camp. Another short day designed to help with acclimatization.

Accommodation

Camping at Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,975m/13,044feet to 3,995m/13,106feet

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast at the Camp, we’ll trek towards the route that conjoin with the Mweka route. We’ll then gradually make our way to Barafu Hut. Today, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, and the views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks here are awe-inspiring. Once we make it to the camp, we’ll eat, rest, and prepare the bags for the summit.

Accommodation

Camping at Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,994m/13,106feet to 4,672m/15,331feet

Distance: 4km/2.5 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

Elevation: 4,672m/15,331feet to 5,895m/19,341feet

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 7-8 hrs

Habitat: Arctic

At the midnight, we will wake you up for a quick snack and get ready to begin our journey to the summit. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek, a true endurance experience. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. As we approach Stella Point, you’ll begin to feel the heat of the magnificent sunrise appearing over the Mawenzi Peak—a truly unforgettable moment. We will then continue until we finally reach Uhuru Peak—the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest point!

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and, later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Accommodation

Mweka Camp

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 5,895m/19,341feet to 3,067m/10,065feet

Distance: 12km/7.5 miles

Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our porters and continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to collect our summit certificates. It can be muddy and wet during our walk to lower elevation. You’ll begin to realize how good you feel as the altitude slowly begins to drop. You will be met at the gate by our Dubu adventures representative who will drive you back to the hotel.

Elevation: 3,067m/10,065feet to 1,639m/5,380feet

Distance: 10km/6 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest