Tour Overview

Trip Duration: 8 Days (6 days trekking)
Start/End: Arusha, Tanzania
From: $2,495–$2,995 USD per person

If Marangu is the “Coca-Cola” route, then Machame is the “Whiskey” route — scenic, adventurous, and with high success rates.

All our treks begin in Arusha and are offered as private departures (starting any day) or small-group climbs on select dates. Pair your Kilimanjaro adventure with a Tanzania safari for the ultimate African journey.

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by our professional driver holding a sign with your name or the company logo. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi town—a 45-minute drive through the rural Tanzanian landscape.
At the hotel, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check. This is the perfect time to ask any last-minute questions and make final arrangements (rentals, packing, etc.).
Optional: We recommend arriving a day early to rest and adjust to the local climate.
Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals Included: None

Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame Gate (1,800m / 5,905ft) in Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration and a final gear check, begin your trek through lush rainforest filled with ancient fig trees, primates, birds, and exotic flowers.
Expect a steady climb on a sometimes muddy and slippery trail, especially if it has rained. Your porters and cook will go ahead to set up camp and prepare dinner.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,220 meters (4,000 feet)
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Machame Camp (3,050m / 9,980ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily up a rocky ridge with expansive views of the plains below. You’ll cross valleys and walk across volcanic rock formations, eventually reaching the Shira Plateau.
This is a relatively short day, allowing time to acclimatize and enjoy the surroundings. Weather permitting, you may get your first close-up views of Kibo Peak.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira Camp (3,850m / 12,630ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

A vital acclimatization day. After breakfast, hike eastward to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630m (15,190ft)—a striking volcanic formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” You’ll eat lunch here, then descend into the lush Barranco Valley.
Though you end at nearly the same elevation as you started, the climb up to Lava Tower helps your body adjust to higher altitudes. You’ll notice a shift in vegetation to semi-desert.
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ↑780m (2,560ft) / ↓630m (2,070ft)
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Moorland
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,960m / 12,990ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Valley

Start your day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling scramble up a nearly vertical cliff that reveals spectacular views from the top. Continue across ridges and the Karanga Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch.
Afterward, push to Barafu Camp, your basecamp for the summit attempt. You’ll rest early in preparation for your midnight ascent. The camp sits on a barren ridge and temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 740m (2,430ft)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4,670m / 15,320ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp

Summit day! Wake up around midnight for hot tea and snacks before starting your climb under the stars. You’ll ascend steep scree and switchbacks toward Stella Point (5,730m). After a short rest, continue for about an hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)—the highest point in Africa.
After celebration photos, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for brunch, then continue down to the forested Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Hiking Time: 12–16 hours total
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles (5km up, 13km down)
Elevation Gain/Loss: ↑1,225m (4,020ft) / ↓2,805m (9,200ft)
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland to Rainforest
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Transfer to Arusha

After breakfast, complete your descent through the montane forest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate — green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak.
Your driver will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest, hot shower, and celebration dinner.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,420m (4,660ft)
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure or Begin Safari

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight—or continue your adventure with a Tanzanian safari. We recommend combining your trek with a wildlife tour in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Pricing (Per Person, Valid Through Dec 2025)

Note: Prices based on double occupancy. Single supplements available. Subject to changes in park fees, taxes, or currency exchange.