Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate (1490m) to Machame Camp (2980m)

   After breakfast, you will be driven about 2hrs40 from Arusha to Moshi town, and then proceed to Machame Gate. Machame Gate is situated in the remote megacity of Machame at the southern foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey crosses through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We will start the trek through the rainforest on a winding trail up the ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery at times, so trekking poles are necessary. The trek continues ascending along the forest trails to Machame Camp at 2980m, where we will stay overnight. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp - Full Board (FB).

2. Day 2: Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m)

   After breakfast, we start the trek to Shira Camp, leaving the rainforest behind. This zone is termed as a heath zone, dominated by attractive lobelia plants. Various geological features can be seen, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. The trek ascends broadly, crossing a small valley up to a steep rocky ridge. As we move forward, we enter the low alpine zone characterized by grasslands and moorlands. The route then directs us to the west into the river gorge until we reach Shira Camp, where we will have dinner and stay overnight - FB.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m)

   This day's trek is a bit long and tough. We will ascend into the Alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the western glacier becomes clearly visible. We will climb up to 3950m to the base of the Lava Tower, where you will get lunch for acclimatization. Then, we will descend to Barranco Camp. The camp is situated in a valley below the breach and Great Barranco Wall, making it one of the most beautiful areas of the entire trail—dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp - FB.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Valley (4200m)

   After breakfast, we will experience a challenging climb to the top of Karanga Valley via Barranco Wall. Barranco Wall requires skills, energy, and determination to complete. As the area toward the Karanga Valley is steep, you may need to use your four limbs when climbing. From this point, we will follow the trail that passes through many inclines and declines to Karanga Valley Camp. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Valley Camp - FB.

5. Day 5: Karanga Valley (4200m) to Barafu Camp (4550m)

   After breakfast, we proceed with the hike towards Barafu Camp. Leaving Karanga Camp in the morning, we shall pass a junction connecting with Mweka trails and then continue up to Barafu Camp. Reaching Barafu Camp marks the end of trekking in the southern circuit, offering a view of the peak from numerous angles. While preparing for the next trek towards the summit, we shall have dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp - FB.

6. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4550m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)

   As per recommendations, you will be woken up at around 11:30 PM and served with tea and cookies. The activity that follows is the trek toward the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. Trekking to the summit requires perseverance and forward momentum. It takes 8hrs to reach the top of the crater rim at Stella Point. From there, it's another 156 meters of altitude to walk around the Crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro (5,895m), take some time to relax and enjoy the view before starting the descent to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles will be needed to descend on loose scree to Mweka Camp—dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp - FB.

7. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m) to Arusha

   This is the final day of trekking on the Machame Route. We shall descend to Mweka Gate after breakfast. At the gate, you will be awarded a summit certificate from the park headquarters and sign-out. After receiving the certificate, you will be transferred by car to Arusha and then directly to the airport (JRO) for departure.