$1,639 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateMachame Gate to Machame Camp
• Altitude (m): 1,646m to 2,865m
• Distance: 11 km
• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame situated on the mountain's lower slopes.
Upon reaching the park gate, you'll embark on a trek through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. The path may be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The journey continues until reaching the Machame Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Altitude (m): 2,865m to 3,810m
• Distance: 5 km
• Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
Following breakfast, you'll depart from the rainforest and ascend along a path, traversing a small valley and progressing along a steep rocky ridge adorned with heather. The trail then veers westward into a river gorge. Rest, dinner, and overnight accommodation await at the Shira Campsite.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Altitude (m): 3,810m to 3,960m
• Distance: 10 km
• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, you'll proceed eastward along a ridge, passing the junction leading to the peak of Kibo. As the trek continues, your path veers southeast towards the Lava Tower, famously known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Following the tower, you'll encounter a second junction, leading to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,877m (16,000ft). Descending from there, you'll arrive at the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,960m (13,000ft). This stop allows for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay. Despite ending the day at the same elevation as the start, this segment is crucial for acclimatization, priming your body for summit day.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Altitude (m): 3,960m to 4,600m
• Distance: 9km
• Trekking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
Following breakfast, you'll depart from Barranco and ascend a steep ridge, navigating the challenging Barranco Wall en route to the Karanga Valley campsite. Continuing from Karanga, you'll reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. From there, the journey proceeds to the Barafu Hut. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, offering panoramic views of the summit from various perspectives. At Barafu Hut, you'll set up camp, rest, dine, and prepare for summit day. This vantage point offers stunning vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
In the early hours (midnight to 2:00 a.m.), you'll push onward towards the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Progressing northwestward, you'll ascend through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim, which marks the most demanding phase of the trek.
Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), take a brief rest and, weather permitting, witness an awe-inspiring sunrise. From Stella Point, expect snowy conditions during the hour-long final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Swift hikers may catch the sunrise from the summit.
After conquering the summit, descend directly to the Mweka Hut Campsite, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for navigating the loose gravel on the descent. In the evening, savor your last dinner on the mountain before a well-deserved rest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha
Descending from an elevation of 10,000 feet to 5,400 feet, you'll cover a distance of 10 km over 3-4 hours, transitioning from the rainforest habitat. After breakfast, you'll trek down to the Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts should suffice, but keep rain gear and warmer attire handy.
Following your descent to the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting there to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: