7-Day Machame Route
This is the day that you will be arriving in Moshi Tanzania through Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), we will pick you on arrivals and drive to Moshi town for accommodation. You will easily recognize us at arrivals because we will carry your name or our company Sign on a well printed paper. At the hotel is where the pre-climbing briefing, gear check and final payment will take place as well as meeting your Kilimanjaro guide.
Start your Kilimanjaro climb:
From your hotel to Machame Gate then to Machame Hut Camp
Drive from Moshi to machame gate it might take 30 - 45 minutes from Moshi. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 5-7 hours walking.
6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Full Board at Machame Hut Camp.
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest 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.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.
10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
Distance: 9 km.
Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board Shira Cave Camp
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley.
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and 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.).
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.
Distance: 15 km.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Full Board Barranco Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest 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.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.
10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
Distance: 9 km.
Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board Shira Cave Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Very early in the morning (midnight), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel 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! You will spend only few minutes at the top taking photos and videos also doing what you plan to do up there until you satisfy.
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 arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain for a special and amazing sleep night after a long day!
4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 6km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Full Board at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast there will be tipping ceremony then we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates for those who will reach the top. 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)
The company vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi town for a hot shower and accommodation
3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Picked up after check out at your hotel then drive to the airport but if you have another tour in Tanzania you may continue with it as well..
6-Day Machame Route
This is the day that you will be arriving in Tanzania through Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO). At the arrivals we will be carrying your name on a well printed paper or we may carry the sign of our company name so that you can easily recognize us. Our driver will be at the airport on time to pick you and take you to your hotel in Moshi for accommodation. At the hotel is where full payment will be done, also pre- climbing as well as gear check.
Start your Kilimanjaro hike:
After have your breakfast at the hotel we come to pick you around 10am and drive to machame gate it might take 30 - 45 minutes from Moshi. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After registrations, we depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 5-7 hours walking.
6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Full Board at Machame Hut Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest 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.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.
10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
Distance: 9 km.
Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board Shira Cave Camp
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley.
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and 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.).
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.
Distance: 15 km.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Full Board Barranco Camp.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will have an early dinner so that we can have enough time to prepare for summit night and rest. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
On summit night we will wake you up at 11:00 then at 11:30 you will need to be at mess tent for brunch then we start set our pace to the summit on 0:0 (midnight) very early in the morning, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel 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 for your big day
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 arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain for last dinner in the jungle!
4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 6km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Full Board at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast there will be a ceremony of joy for everyone then you will give tips to the crew after finishing a big hike safe and sound then we 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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate, we will have a one stop for nice lunch at the souvenir shop then we will drive to your accomodation in Moshi for a hot shower and resting.
3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
If you don’t plan another tour in Tanzania you will check out at your hotel then we will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight back home.
6 Day Marangu Route
You will arrive in Tanzania through the Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) then we will pick you from the airport, it will take us a tleast one hour drive to your hotel in Moshi town. There we will do a pre-climbing briefing, payment as well as gear check.
Marangu Gate - Starting point (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation in Moshi then drive to the Marangu gate which will probably take two hours. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to zebra rocks (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight 0:0 which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 hour laying down before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After your last delicious breakfast on the mountain, before the descend you will give tips to the crew and say something to them as an appreciation/thanks then they will sing and dancing to celebrate your successful trek!
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m), you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m. Here is where who reached the top of mount Kilimanjaro will be awarded their summit certificates by Kilimanjaro National Park (those who reach Gilmans point will get Gilmans point certificate, those who reach Stella point will get Stella point certificate, those who reach UHURU peak which is the Mount Kilimanjaro main peak will get a Uhuru peak certificate. Then a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. We will have one stop for nice lunch at the souvenir shop! After that we will continue to the hotel, and at the hotel you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
If you don’t plan another tour in Tanzania you will check out at your hotel then we will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight back home.
-End of your trip with us-
8 Day Lemosho Route
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After having your nice breakfast at the hotel, we will come with a transport to pick you at 10:00 then drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Marangu Gate - Starting point (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation in Moshi then drive to the Marangu gate which will probably take two hours. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Heath
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), at 0:0 we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast there will be tipping ceremony where you will tip the mountain crew after celebrations then we 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).
Our vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, dinner and resting. We will have one stop before reach your hotel for a nice lunch at the souvenir shop.
If you don’t plan another tour in Tanzania you will check out at your hotel then we will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight back home.
-End of your trip with us-
| 6-Day Machame Route | 7-Day Machame Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Time on Mountain | 6 days | 7 days |
| Pace | Faster ascent | More gradual |
| Acclimatization | Moderate | Excellent |
| Summit Success Rate | Good for strong hikers | Higher overall success |
| Difficulty | More demanding | More manageable |
| Best For | Experienced hikers with limited time | First-time climbers and safety-focused travelers |
| Our Recommendation | Suitable for select climbers | Best choice for most climbers |
HOW YOU SPEND YOUR DAY ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO 
where our team will serve you a hot delicious lunch 
Then you will have time to rest / relax either inside or outside your tent waiting for 3pm. At this time we start an evening acclimatization hike, and arrive back to the camp for a little hot shower we call ‘wash wash’ where we will serve with a small basin to wash your body with a small towels. Dinner is normally served between 6:00pm - 6:30pm. After that you will go to bed 
to rest up for the next day. We climb high and sleep low! 
