Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

   • The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. 
   • We will now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. 
   • We will continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

2. Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

   • After breakfast, we will leave the glades of the rainforest 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.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley

   • Today, we will walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views.
   • We will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m).

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

   • After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elves 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elves 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 
   • We will continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

5. Day 5: Moshi - Marangu Gate –Kilema Gate –Horombo Hut

   • Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel 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 will arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

6. Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha/Moshi

   • After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the 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).

   A vehicle will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.