DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1830m to 3000m, 6000ft to 10,200ft
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation: Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journeys pass through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, 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.
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3000m to 3840m, 10,200ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
DAY 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3800m to 4630m to 3986m, 15,000ft to 13,700ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3900m to 4600m, 13,007ft to 15,295ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 3 hours descent
Vegetation: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am),, we continue our way to the summit. 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 (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut — the only location on this route.
DAY 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1830m, 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Forest
After breakfast, 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). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi
