Itinerary

1. Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

   • The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. 
   • Along the journey drive to Machame gate hiker(s) will pass through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiker(s) will 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 recommended and are an excellent idea here. Hiker(s) will now continue a short distance until we reach the Machame encampment.

2. Day 2: Machame Campsite to Shira Campsite

   • After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west into a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

3. Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley

   • On the third day of hiking the Machame route, the hiker(s) and the team walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic view. 
   • We will traverse the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower at 4,600m we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley 3,950m.

4. Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

   • After breakfast, We leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 
   • We will continue up to the Barafu Campsite. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. 
   • Here at Barafu campsite, hike(s) and the team together make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

5. Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

   • Very early in the morning (from midnight to 2:00 am) hiker(s) and the team will continue to hike towards the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. Hiker(s) and the team will 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 have ever seen. 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. 
   • 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 will arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on Mount Kilimanjaro.

6. Day 6 : Kilimanjaro Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha or Moshi

   • After breakfast, we will 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 be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha with Africa Natural Tours driver.