PROGRAM 1
6 Days Machame Route Hiking
Day 1: Drive from Moshi to Machame gate then hike to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations 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 Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, 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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 9km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6: Descend from Mweka camp to Mweka gate then drive to Moshi town.
PROGRAM 2
6 Days Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its relative ease and availability of amenities along the way. Here’s a six-day itinerary for hiking the Marangu Route:
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Start early in the morning with a transfer from your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha to the Marangu Gate, the starting point of the Marangu Route.
- Complete registration and meet your guides and porters.
- Begin the trek through lush rainforest, ascending gradually.
- Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) in the afternoon.
- Relax, explore the surroundings, and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Overnight stay at Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- After breakfast, continue your ascent through the rainforest, which eventually gives way to heathland.
- Pass by Maundi Crater, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Ascend to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters), where you’ll spend the night.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the surrounding plains.
- Overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
- This day is reserved for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- You’ll have the option to take a day hike to Zebra Rocks or explore the area around Horombo Hut.
- Spend the day relaxing, hydrating, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
- Overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- After breakfast, continue your trek, leaving the heathland behind and entering the alpine desert zone.
- Ascend to Kibo Hut (4,703 meters), the final overnight stop before the summit.
- The landscape becomes more barren as you approach the high camp.
- Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt.
- Early dinner and early bedtime in preparation for the summit push.
- Overnight stay at Kibo Hut.
Day 5: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut
- Wake up in the early hours of the morning (around midnight) for a hot drink and a light snack.
- Begin the challenging trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), aiming to reach the summit by sunrise.
- Trek through the night, guided by headlamps and the light of the moon and stars.
- Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), the crater rim, and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Celebrate your achievement at the summit, take photos, and soak in the incredible views.
- Descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and breakfast.
- Continue descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters), where you’ll spend the night.
- Overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Descent to Marangu Gate and Departure
- After breakfast, begin the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate.
- Complete the necessary paperwork and receive your summit certificates.
- Say farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
- Celebrate your Kilimanjaro adventure and reflect on your incredible journey.
This itinerary provides a well-paced ascent, allowing for proper acclimatization and maximizing your chances of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro safely. Remember to listen to your guides, stay hydrated, and take it slow to enjoy the experience fully.