Beginning the Ascent

Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Gate (1490 m) to Machame Camp (2980 m), Hiking duration: 7 hours,

Distance: Approximately 18 km - Environment: Montane forest.

The day begins early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to Machame village (1490m). Guides and porters organize and pack supplies and equipment in the village. Depending on road conditions, driving from the village to Machame gate is possible; otherwise, a 3 km walk, taking about an hour, is necessary. After registering at the gate office, the ascent begins through the rainforest. A lunch pack is provided at the gate, and bottled water purchased at Springlands Hotel in Moshi is available. Rain may occur in the forest, making the trail wet, muddy, and slippery. In the evening, porters will boil water for drinking and washing, and the cook will prepare dinner before retiring to tents for the night. Night temperatures at Machame campsite can drop to freezing.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m), Hiking duration: 6 hours. Distance: Approximately 9 km – Environment: Moorland

The day starts early at Machame Camp, and after breakfast, the climb continues for about an hour to the forest’s edge, followed by a gentler 2-hour ascent through the moorland zone. After a brief lunch and rest, the journey continues up a rocky ridge to the Shira plateau. By this point, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers is visible to the east. Positioned due west of Kibo, a short hike leads to the Shira campsite at 3840m. Porters will boil water for drinking and washing before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will be colder than the previous, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.

Shira Camp - Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Shira (3840m) to Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco Camp (3950m), Hiking duration: 7 hours, Distance: Approximately 15 km - Environment: Semi-desert

The route turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4630m after about 5 hours of walking. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This is the most challenging day so far. At this point, some climbers may experience breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch, the descent of nearly 680m to the Barranco camping area begins, highlighting the acclimatization benefits of the day. This descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers excellent photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, providing a memorable sunset while waiting for dinner preparation and overnight stay at Barranco Campsite.

Barranco to Karanga Valley - Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barranco to Karanga Valley - Barafu Camp (4550m), Hiking duration: 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 13 km - Environment: Alpine desert

Exposed to constant gales, tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and precarious ridge. Familiarizing oneself with the terrain before dark is essential to avoid accidents. The summit is now 1345m higher, and the final ascent will occur the same night. Prepare equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for the summit attempt, including replacing headlamp and camera batteries and having spares available. To prevent freezing, carry water in a thermal flask. Retire around 19:00 and aim for a maximum of 5 hours of rest and sleep.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barafu Camp (4550m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka (3100m), Hiking duration: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka, Distance: Approximately 7 km ascent - 23 km descent, Environment: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Rising around 23:30, after tea and biscuits, the journey begins into the night. Heading northwest, the ascent continues through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour trek to Stella Point is often the most mentally and physically demanding part of the route. At Stella Point (5685m), a short rest is taken, rewarded by a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow is typically encountered on the 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spent on the summit depends on weather conditions. Avoid lingering too long, as restarting can be difficult due to cold and fatigue. Celebrate the achievement and cherish the memory. The descent to Barafu from the summit takes about 3 hours. A brief rest is taken here, and gear is collected before continuing to Mweka Camp (3100m) for dinner and overnight stay.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m)

Hiking/Descent duration: 3 hours,

Distance: Approximately 15 km - Environment: Forest

After breakfast, the descent continues from Mweka Gate into Mweka village, typically a muddy and lengthy walk. In Mweka village, a drive to Springlands Hotel follows, where a delicious hot lunch is served. The journey then returns to Moshi for a much-needed hot shower and overnight stay at Springlands Hotel. Tips are recommended and greatly appreciated at the end of the trip. Tips can be given to the guide at Springlands Hotel. Successful climbers receive summit certificates here. Climbers reaching Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, while those reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

• Qualified guides with mountain crew and all staff salaries included
• Complete camping gear: tents, sleeping mattresses, and dining setup
• Comprehensive meal plan: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the tour
• Emergency preparedness with first aid kit and rescue fees covered
• Two nights’ stay at Springlands Hotel in Moshi, pre and post climb
• Convenient return airport transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Inclusive of all national park fees for unrestricted access
• Transportation provided to and from the mountain’s start and end points
• Access to boiled water and health monitoring with pulse oximeters

• Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel
• Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Gear for your climb
• Items of personal nature
• Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
• Visas
• Emergency oxygen

Porters carry all your gear and provisions, while a chef prepares every meal for you. On the Machame Route, distinct from the hut accommodations on the Marangu Route, you’ll bed down in tents (included in the service), which the porters will set up for you. You’ll dine in a meal tent or on an outdoor mat. This lends the Machame Route, also known as the ‘Whiskey Route,’ an edge for the adventure-seeking trekkers, rewarding them with more impressive vistas than other paths. You’ll experience picturesque evenings at Shira and unveil the mystic beauty of Kibo’s magnificent Barranco Wall. For those with a zest for excitement, the Machame Route is a visual journey, offering an array of scenic displays.

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