Machame camp to Shira camp

On day two you will rise early, where by our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau which provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Day two takes approximately 4-6 hours and covers a distance of 5.4km / 3.4miles.

• Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 5 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Shira cave to Barranco camp

Day three, walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), Although you end the day at a very similar elevation to when you started from Shira Camp, it is arguably one of the most important days on your trek as it gives you a chance to climb high and sleep low which is important for proper acclimatization.

• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Barranco camp to Barafu camp

Day four on the Machame Route begins by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Note: Trekkers on the seven day route spend the night at Karanga Camp before continuing on to Barafu. This additional day is beneficial in terms of acclimatization.

• Hiking time:

7 hours

• Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Barafu camp to Uhuru peak

Day five is summit night (and day)! We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.

• Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka
• Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Mweka camp to Mweka gate

After Breakfast, From the Mweka camp, you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy and long hour walk. In the Mweka village drive to Springlands Hotel and you will be served a delicious hot lunch! You now drive back to Moshi. It is recommended and tips are highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the Guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. And this will be the end of our trekking. Then you will be transferred to the hotel for the rest and preparation of the next day safari.

• Hiking time: 3 hours
• Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
• Habitat: Forest
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast