DAY 1 -- Machame Gate to
Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m/ (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Distance: 18km Hiking
Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Montane Forest
Leave Arusha/Moshi after breakfast, in a hotel/company with the guides and
porters. You will be introduced to the guides prior to leaving. Land rovers take
climber to Machame gate at 1,800 meters at the entrance to the forest. The
journey passes through the village
of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain At the gate, you
must sign the register, showing your name, address, occupation and passport
number. The park authorities insist upon a passport
number, so please know yours.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail
to the Machame Camp. 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 Hut. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy our dinner, and overnight.
DAY 2 -- Machame Camp to Shira
Camp Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m/ (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 9km Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: 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 (m): 3840m to 4630m
to 3860m/ (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Distance: 15 km Walking Time: 6-7
hours Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, 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 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an
altitude of 3,860 meters. 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 (m): 3860m to 4600m/ (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the
Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley
(4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue 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 Hut Elevation
UP (m): 4600m to 5895m/ (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft Elevation DOWN
3100m/ 10,200ft Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: 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), 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 they 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 Moshi
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m/ (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft Distance: 15 km Hiking
Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: 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).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you
at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi/Arusha. It is time for
Kilimanjaro Heroes celebration!
