Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arusha - Machame Camp
Arusha - Machame Camp
From Arusha, you will drive to the Machame route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route.” Starting from the Machame Park gate, you’ll gently climb through the original montane forest, adorned with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias, and ferns. The first camp is nestled among the giant heather at 3000m. You’ll arrive after an ascent of 1200m and 5-6 hours of walking.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Machame Camp - Shira Camp
Machame Camp - Shira Camp
Today you will emerge from the giant heather zone and trek through fine open moorland to reach the Shira Cave campsite at 3,840m. Up here, you may encounter herds of eland and occasionally lions. The area also boasts fascinating geological features within the old volcanic caldera, which can be explored during an optional half-hour walk in the afternoon. You will ascend 840m over 4-5 hours of walking.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
-
Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Shira Camp - Barrancco Camp
Shira Camp - Barrancco Camp
From Shira, you will ascend towards the main peak, Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and passing under the imposing western breach, you will descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for a mid-way camp at 3,950m. Despite only ascending 110m, today's trek involves climbing much higher and then dropping back down, which aids acclimatization. Total walking time today is 6-7 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Barrancco Camp - Barafu Camp
Barrancco Camp - Barafu Camp
Today you will ascend the steep Barranco wall, with some sections requiring easy scrambling, and then descend again to the Karanga Valley, where you will take a break for lunch. After lunch, you will continue hiking to Barafu Hut at 4600m. Today's hike will take 7-8 hours and adds 650m of elevation. At Barafu Hut, you will have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak. After completing a longer day of hiking, it's important to adequately relax in preparation for the challenging summit hike early the following morning.
Day 5
Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight to 2:00am), we will continue our journey to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Heading in a northwesterly direction, we will ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the trek is the most mentally and physically challenging. Upon reaching Stella Point, we will pause for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will likely ever see. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow for the remainder of your one-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent! After reaching the summit, we will 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 while descending. We will enjoy one last evening on the mountain.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Mweka Camp - Arusha
Mweka Camp - Arusha
From Mweka Campsite, it is a 4–5-hour descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, with the final duration depending on individual fitness levels. At Mweka Gate, you will collect your certificates and meet your vehicle. Then, you will return to Arusha for the night.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
