Arrival – Arusha

Arusha - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), with the code JRO, the guide will greet the operator and transport them to their hotel in Arusha.

There will be an opportunity for a briefing about the Kilimanjaro trek and a review of the packing list.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - At approximately 08:00 in the morning, the guide will be ready at the hotel to pick up the operator and head to the Kilimanjaro gate to commence the trek. The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate is about 60 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon leaving the park gate, the trail winds through dense rainforest up a ridge until reaching Machame Camp.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After waking up and enjoying breakfast, the guide will lead the operator to the next camp. The path ascends from the rainforest glades to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, the trail passes through heather and open moorlands, crossing a large river gorge to reach Shira Camp.

Elevation: 9,950 ft to 12,600 ft
Distance: 5.3 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After waking up and having breakfast, the guide will lead the operator to the next camp. The trail continues east up a ridge, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. The descent to Barranco Camp passes through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although the day begins and ends at the same elevation, time spent at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi 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: Semi Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After waking up and having breakfast, the guide will lead the operator to the next camp. The day begins with a descent into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a climb up the nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail crosses a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. A steeper climb leads to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After waking up and having breakfast, the guide will lead the operator to the next camp. The trail leaves Karanga and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. The camp is set up here, allowing for rest and an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The operator will wake up around midnight, and the guides will lead the way to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time can be intense. The ascent is made in darkness for several hours with frequent, short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), the operator will witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, Uhuru Peak is reached, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The descent continues straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees; trekking poles are recommended.

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Kilimanjaro National Park - On the final day, the guides will lead the descent to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet the group at Mweka Gate and transport them back to the hotel in Arusha.

The following day is designated for departure. Depending on the flight schedule, transportation will be arranged from the hotel to the airport for departure to the operator’s home or another destination.

• Private transportation
• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Dedicated support crew
• Meals Plan, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Lunch
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Complete medical kits
• A certificate documenting your summit conquest
• All group equipment
• Two-night accommodation
• Tips for guides, cook and porters

• Local, international airfares and departure taxes
• International Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Personal Expenses

The Machame route, often referred to as “the Whiskey Route,” is considered one of the most stunning paths to ascend Kilimanjaro. As the second most favored choice among climbers, it provides a diverse array of views, landscapes, and experiences.

Accommodation throughout the ascent and descent is exclusively camping, utilizing mobile tents. The campsites along the journey are strategically positioned to ensure a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. On the third day, the Machame Route merges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp.

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