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Climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route

  • 6 to 8 day trekking options with 7 days our recommended.
  • Suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers with a small scrambling portion but no technical equipment or experience required.
  • Nights spent in four season mountain tents built for any weather.
  • Relatively close starting point compared to other camping routes.
  • A proffessional support team of guides, cook, waiter and porters with external monitoring (KPAP) for fair working standards on each and every trek.
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Machame 7 day map

Overview

Machame route

This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is one of the most popular and commonly referred to as the ‘whisky’ route due to its popularity and strong nature of the route. Machame starts at the southwest mountain rain forest and involves steep and challenging hikes on the southern circuit which is well designed for acclimatization with natural features taking you high and low. Although this is a non-technical route, there is a small ‘scrambling’ (using your hands and legs) section at the Barranco wall which truly gives you that mountain climbing feeling without any special equipment or experience.

Itinerary

Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

MoshiToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi town to Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro rainforest

You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-1.5 hours
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 9km / 5.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro Camping
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft

Day 3 - Machame camp to Shira camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Today’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft

Day 4 - Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Your hike today takes you towards to Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft). Today helps you to acclimatize and also is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

 

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 3845 or 12615ft
  • End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Barafu camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine Desert

This morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert winding around the mountain then through the Karanga valley. From the Karanga camp you continue on the path until Barafu camp where you will prepare for your summit attempt tonight.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 7-8 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +680m or +2235ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro arctic zone

In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
  • Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 7 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Kilimanjaro rainforest

Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

  • Approx driving distance: 1 hour
  • Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
  • End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 8 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Safari car

Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

MoshiToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi town to Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro rainforest

You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-1.5 hours
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 9km / 5.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro Camping
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft

Day 3 - Machame camp to Shira camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Today’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft

Day 4 - Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Your hike today takes you towards to Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft). Today helps you to acclimatize and also is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

 

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 3845 or 12615ft
  • End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine DesertThis morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karangu valley is the last water point.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
  • Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft / -210m or -690ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Karanga Camp

 Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft

Day 6 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine Desert

Today you climb almost casually through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where you keep a slow pace even though the path is not extremely steep. Kibo cone starts to near and you may finally glimpse the Mawenzi peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) in the east. The short distance means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro arctic zone

In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
  • Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 8 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Kilimanjaro rainforest

Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

  • Approx driving distance: 1 hour
  • Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
  • End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 9 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Safari car

Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

MoshiToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi town to Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro rainforest

You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-1.5 hours
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 9km / 5.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro Camping
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft

Day 3 - Machame camp to Shira camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Today’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft

Day 4 - Shira camp to Moir hut camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine Desert

Today you take a steady pace across the alpine desert towards the northern Kilimanjaro area. If your fitness is high enough you can take an optional detour via the Lava Tower camp which is great for acclimatization. Moir hut is quite an isolated camp mostly used by those on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit but provides a unique northern view of the Kibo cone. You can also optionally hike to the nearby Lent group from Moir hut for vies of these eroded cones and ridges from where you may be able to gaze down into the wilderness plains of Kenya to the north.

 

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 4km / 2.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 3845 or 12615ft
  • End Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4140m or 13585ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +295m or 970ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Moir Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft

Day 5 - Moir camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Kilimanjaro Heather Moorland

Your hike today takes you back south towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft, if you didn’t already reach here the day before). Today helps you to acclimatize and is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km / 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
  • End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +490m or 1605ft / -670m or 2200ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 6 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine DesertThis morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karangu valley is the last water point.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
  • Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft / -210m or -690ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Karanga Camp

 Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft

Day 7 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro Alpine Desert

Today you climb almost casually through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where you keep a slow pace even though the path is not extremely steep. Kibo cone starts to near and you may finally glimpse the Mawenzi peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) in the east. The short distance means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
  • Start Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 8 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro arctic zone

In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

  • Approx driving distance: None
  • Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
  • Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro Camp
Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 9 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Kilimanjaro rainforest

Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

  • Approx driving distance: 1 hour
  • Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
  • Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
  • Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
  • End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Machame, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 10 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Safari car

Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.

  • Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
  • Approx trekking time: None
  • Approx trekking distance: None
  • Start Altitude: Unknown
  • End Altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
  • Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

Price, includes, add-ons and excludes

Prices depend on your group size, exact route chosen, dates of travel and much more. You can see our standard includes, optional extras / add-ons / comfort upgrades and standard excludes below.

Standard packages usually include

  • All taxes and VAT applicable
  • 1 night(s) before the climb at a pre climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
  • 1 night(s) after the climb at a post climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
  • All National Park conservation, park entry, camping and rescue fees for applicable
  • Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s
  • 1 x luggage porter carrying personal luggage of 15kg per person max
  • Specialist tent crew and luggage porters to service and set-up campsites and carry all camping equipment and food provisions.
  • Four season mountain tent (sharing, or single for 1 person groups), chairs, tables, dedicated group dining tent
  • Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter porter
  • All meals on the mountain and eating utensils and cutlery
  • Pre-climb briefing and equipment check with the guide in Moshi
  • 1 x transfer from a Moshi based lodge to park gates per group including crew transfer for remote gate (Rongai or Lemosho gates)
  • 1 x transfer from park gates to a Moshi based lodge per group
  • Luggage storage while on trek
  • Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onwards)
  • Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter
  • 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per group and first aid kit
  • Hand washing station, sanitizers, and small personal wash basin
  • Shared public toilet facilities at public campsites
  • 1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack for personal duffel bag
  • Basic sleeping mattress per person

Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades

  • Extra Pre climb or post climb accommodation
  • Single tent (if not already indicated as included)
  • Additional emergency oxygen cylinders
  • Comfort upgrades such as a portable toilet, foldable bed, larger tent, upgraded menu, celebration items etc.
  • Shared or private airport / non-group gate transfers and out of Moshi transfers
  • Domestic flights
  • One day trips
  • Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation membership
  • Extra guides or porters
  • Personal mountain equipment such as sleeping bags, walking poles, duffel bags etc.
  • Pre-included tip / fair living wage salary
  • Extra days on the mountain

Standard packages usually exclude

  • Tips / gratuities
  • Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc.
  • International flights
  • Insurance
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Water on first day of trek
  • Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)

KPAP and fair treatment of your crew

The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.

KPAP

An 'undercover' KPAP porter monitors us on each and every Kilimanjaro trek.

  • Porters and crew are paid at least a fair minimum wage agreed with their unions.
  • Salaries are all paid within 2 working days from the descent of a climb.
  • Transparent tipping procedures to ensure porters receive the full tip intended for them.
  • Fair tipping recommendations for both the climber and crew.
  • Loads carried by our porters do not exceed 20kg of company gear.
  • Porters are provided with three meals per day on the mountain.
  • Crew are provided with proper shelter and sleeping dedicated for them.
  • Equal climbing opportunities to all porters registered with our company
  • We inspect crew gear each trek to ensure proper kit is taken for a safe trek.
  • Transport for crew is provided to remote gates (Rongai / Lemosho).

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project independently monitors everyone of our treks for fair treatment standards to ensure unbiased reporting of our treks and the best working conditions for your crew. Click to read more.

When to visit

These recommendations are based on weather patterns and trends. Mountains are extremely unpredictable and we always recommend you to be prepared for any weather outcome regardless of the predicted season.

Excellent time

January, February, July, August, September, October

Within our predicted dry season, these months generally have dry conditions and good mountain weather making the trek more achievable. These are also the busiest months and you may find all routes are busy in this period.

Good time

March, June, November, December

These months generally are between our dry season and wet season where conditions are generally dry on the mountain however you may still experience some rain. These are generally great months for those looking to avoid the crowds as most will  travel in the excellent time above.

Mixed time

April, May

Our predicted 'long rain' season in Tanzania where the chances of rain are high and downpours can be heavy (tropical!) and make trekking very difficult. For a seasoned mountaineer this can be a great time to avoid all of the crowds who usually skip these months.

Other routes

If this isn't the right route for you, some of the below are alternative routes to consider.

Combine with

This package is usually combined with one of the below. We can also tailor a custom itinerary combining any of our packages for you.

Planning a trek

Need some help planning a Kilimanjaro trek?

Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about private or group treks, when to climb, getting to Kilimanjaro / Tanzania, visas, documents, choosing a route, training for your climb, health and vaccines, Kilimanjaro packing list, hiking boots, rental equipment, tipping, insurance, money:

What to expect

Want to find out more about what to expect from a Kilimanjaro trek with Shah Tours?

Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about your mountain crew, safety on the mountain, AMS and mountain sickness, food, drink, equipment, comfort upgrades, toilets and bathrooms, emergency oxygen, communicating on the trek, weather, park rules and luggage:

Why us

Why choose Shah Tours for your Kilimanjaro trek?

As one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and longest serving Kilimanjaro operators, we are one of the best providing: 35+ years experience, family owned and operated, high quality equipment and fleet, responsible and externally monitored, superior & experienced guides, safe, secure and reliable with over 2000+ happy clients each year:

FAQs and blog

Didn't find the information you need on this page?

Explore our blog with: preparation guides, frequently asked questions, interesting articles and more:

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Phone

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24/7 Emergency: +255627060504

Skype: shah-tours

Email

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Postal address

P.O.Box, 1821, Moshi, Tanzania

Head office address

6 Sekou Toure road, Shanty Town, Moshi, Tanzania

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