$2,211 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArusha to Machame Gate - Machame Camp
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Machame Gate for sign up ready for your trek to the roof of Africa. Trek through the rain forest and on to Machame Campsite where we will set up camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
Attitude: 3,000m
Distance: 11km
Time: 5 to 7 hours
Environment: Montane forest.
- Main Destination:
- Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we’ll leave the rainforest behind and begin our ascent, traversing a valley and climbing a steep, rocky ridge blanketed in heath. The path transitions from the glades of the forest to open moorland, offering stunning views as we reach the Shira Plateau. Along the way, we’ll cross a large river gorge and make our way westward toward the gorge. Our day ends at Shira 2 Camp, where we’ll set up for the night, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest under the stars.
-Altitude Change: 3,000m to 3,850m (+850m)
-Distance: 9 km
-Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Environment: Moorland.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we’ll head east, ascending a ridge and passing the junction that points toward Kibo Peak. Our trail then turns southeast, leading us to the iconic Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation known as the "Shark’s Tooth." After a brief stop at the tower, we’ll reach the second junction, climbing to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. From here, we descend through semi-desert terrain to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet, where we’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Despite ending the day at a similar elevation to where we started, this day is vital for acclimatization, helping your body adapt to the higher altitudes in preparation for the summit.
- Elevation Change: 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft (with a climb to 16,000 ft at Lava Tower)
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we begin the day with a challenging yet rewarding climb up the Barranco Wall, a 257-meter-high rock face that requires basic scrambling skills. As we ascend, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, the trail leads us through a series of rolling inclines and declines before descending into the Karanga Valley. From there, we make our way to Karanga Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,960 meters. Here, we will settle in for the night, enjoying dinner and rest in preparation for the journey to Barafu Camp the following day.
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: ~7 hours
- Habitat: High Alpine Zone.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Karanga camp to Barafu camp
Day five offers a short and relatively easy trek, giving you time to recover and prepare for the summit push ahead. The trail departs from Karanga Camp and ascends steadily, joining the Mweka Trail as it approaches Barafu Camp at an altitude of 4,680 meters. Along the way, you'll traverse the stark yet captivating landscape of the alpine desert. Once at Barafu Camp, take the opportunity to relax, enjoy an early dinner, and rest, as the summit attempt begins later that night.
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: ~3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
In the early hours of the morning (midnight to 2:00 am), we’ll begin our final ascent to the summit. The route takes us between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers under the blanket of a star-filled sky. After a challenging climb, we’ll reach Stella Point (18,600 ft), where we’ll pause for a brief rest and, if weather permits, witness a spectacular sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a one-hour push to Uhuru Peak, where you’ll stand at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll start our descent, heading straight down to Mweka Camp. The descent requires caution due to loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. By evening, we’ll arrive at Mweka Camp, nestled in the upper forest, where you’ll enjoy a final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned night’s rest.
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent / 4–6 hours descent.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Mweka Camp to Arusha
After breakfast, we’ll begin the final leg of our descent from Mweka Camp down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates. The trail passes through lush rainforest, and at lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. You’ll likely find shorts and t-shirts sufficient, but keep rain gear and warmer layers on hand just in case.
From the gate, we’ll continue for about an hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy the comfort of a warm shower and the satisfaction of completing your Kilimanjaro adventure!
- Elevation: 10,000 ft → 5,400 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest.
- Main Destination:
- Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: