Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at the Green Hills of Africa and driven to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once all the necessary paperwork is completed, your adventure begins. Today’s destination is Machame Camp, a 5-6 hour hike. You’ll soon find yourself trekking through a lush rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, and unique flowers like the Impatiens Kilimanjari. You might also spot black and white colobus monkeys peeking through the leaves. Upon reaching the campsite, you’ll have time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal before settling into your tent for the night.

Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today’s early start isn’t due to a long hike but to allow you to reach Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. As you walk, you’ll notice a dramatic change in the landscape—from lush, green rainforest to dry moor and heathland. Upon arriving at your campsite, a stunning view of the mountain range will unfold before you. The glaciers of Kibo will glisten in the golden hue of the setting sun as you enjoy another lovingly prepared meal before climbing into your tent.

Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today is all about acclimatization. You’ll climb roughly 700 meters but will sleep at a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you’ll make your way up to Lava Tower (4,640m), where you’ll rest for a while before continuing through the Barranco Valley to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours, but the various distractions of the alpine desert and the Barranco Valley, with its small lobelia plants and giant senecios, will keep your mind off the distance still ahead. A well-deserved dinner and overnight stay await you at Barranco Camp.

Barranco - Karanga - Barafu

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, you’ll continue up a steep ridge to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days, showcasing the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they zip over the wall with apparent ease. You’ll continue up toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest are in order as you prepare for summit night.

Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)

Kilimanjaro National Park - Around midnight, your guide will wake you with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to prepare you for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only sources of light as you make your way up to Stella Point, reaching the crater rim in about 5-7 hours. Another 1-2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), where you can enjoy the sunrise over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you’ll start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team will await you with snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed, you’ll make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on Africa’s highest mountain.

Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha

Kilimanjaro National Park - A delicious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You’ll trek through the rainforest once more, giving you another chance to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2-3 hours. You’ll be met at the gate and taken back to the Aquiline Hotel for a long shower and a relaxing day by the pool. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• All fees and taxes included

• Use of bicycle

Balo Tanzania Safaris specializes in exclusive private expeditions, excursions and seaside vacations in Tanzania. Our knowledge, meticulous attention and personal connections ensure an extraordinary safari journey. We are deeply passionate about presenting the finest of Tanzania to you and spare no effort in crafting personalized travel plans. We aim to introduce you not only to the well-known charms of Tanzania but also its unique trails and undiscovered treasures. Our ultimate objective is to provide an incomparable safari adventure!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.