Tour Overview
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Included/Exclude
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fee
Tour Plan
You’ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro. Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way. You’ll finish your day at Machame Camp (3,000 metres), where your porters will be waiting with your tents pitched, hot water ready for bathing, and food ready to reenergize you for the day to come Overnight: Machame Camp Trekking hours: 5–6hrs Elevation (m): 1790m to 3010m Meals: B,L,D
You’ll be up bright and early today, but it’s a shorter day of hiking. The lush forest gives way to scrubby moorland today, making for an entirely different hiking experience. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp by the mid-afternoon, giving you time to relax and soak in the stunning views of Kibo glacier from the Shira Plateau. Overnight: Shira Camp Trekking hours: 4-5hrs Elevation (m): 3010m to 3845m Meals: B,L,D
Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and you’ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast. After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll descend gradually towards Barranco Camp at 4,500m. Your trek again takes you through different vegetation zones and you’ll set up camp at the scenic Barranco Camp in the shadows of the imposing Barranco Wall. Considered the most beautiful of all of the camps on Kilimanjaro, Barranco will be your base for the evening Overnight: Barranco Camp Trekking hours: 6-7hrs Elevation (m): 3845m to 3960m Meals: B,L,D
You’ll get your first real taste of mountain climbing today, as you’ll tackle Barranco Wall for a bit of old-fashioned rock climbing. After this initial trial, you’ll continue for another 3-4 hours until you reach your camp in the Karanga Valley, Stopping in time for lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight: Karanga Camp Trekking hours: 4-5hrs Elevation (m): 3960m to 4550m Meals: B,L,D
After your breakfast, you’ll continue on for another 2-3 hours until you reach Barafu Camp. Your hike takes you across an alpine desert, making for a truly otherworldly day of hiking. As you’ll be summitting tomorrow, the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon. It’s important that you eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids before turning in for the evening Overnight at Barafu Camp Trekking hours: 3-4hrs Elevation (m): 4550m to 4640m Meals: B,L,D
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact! Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead. You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration. After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight. Overnight: Mweka Camp Trekking hours: 8-10hrs to Summit \ 4-7hrs to Mweka Camp Elevation (m): 4640m to 5895m to Uhuru Peak \ 5895m to 3080m Mweka Camp Meals: B,L,D
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion from Kilimanjaro National Park. Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest and a shower before your transfer to the airport this evening. Trekking hours: 4-6hrs Elevation (m): 3080m to 1680m Meals: B, L
