Arrive anytime on day 1, and we will arrange your Airport Pick Up! The arrival airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or alternatively you could choose to land at Arusha Airport (ARK) if travelling from a closer point.

You will let us know of your arrival time, date and flight number and our driver will be there awaiting you with a big smile

In celebration of the trip of a lifetime, we will start our time together with a welcome dinner buffet, drinks, games, music and more!

This is your time to meet your fellow travellers, settle in, get to know the team you will call family for the next few weeks and basque in the fact - you are in Africa!

The 6-day Machame Route is the best short-duration option for climbers seeking strong acclimatization and a challenging, rewarding ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Known for its “climb high, sleep low” profile, this route exposes you to higher elevations early - helping your body adapt for a safer and more successful summit.

Over six demanding days, you’ll trek from lush rainforest to moorland, cross the dramatic Lava Tower, tackle the iconic Barranco Wall, and push through a tough overnight summit attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak.

Expect long hiking days, steep elevation gains and losses, and limited sleep on summit night - but also unforgettable scenery, incredible sunrises, and the pride of reaching Africa’s highest point.

This route is recommended for fit trekkers looking for a spectacular, fast-paced climb with excellent acclimatization and classic Kilimanjaro views.

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. 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 Camp.

•Machame Gate to Machame Camp

•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft

•Distance: 11 km

•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

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.

•Machame Camp to Shira Camp

•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft

•Distance: 5 km

•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

•Habitat: Moorland

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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft.

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.

•Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft

•Distance: 10 km

•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

•Habitat: Semi Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut.

At this point, 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.

• Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft

•Distance: 9km

•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), 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 may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, 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.

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to

10,000ft)

•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

•Habitat: Arctic

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, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to The White House Hostel in Arusha!

After completing the incredible climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, today is all about rest, recovery, and celebrating your achievement. Your legs will be feeling the hike, so take the day at your own pace and enjoy everything Arusha has to offer.

For those who want to explore, Arusha has plenty of light, enjoyable activities perfect for a recovery day, such as:

• Yoga at The White House Hostel

• Cultural Heritage Centre — discover Tanzanian art, history, jewels, and craftwork.

• Painting Class — unwind with a creative art session led by local artists.

• Shanga at Arusha Coffee Lodge — visit this inspiring social enterprise supporting people with disabilities through glassblowing, weaving, and crafts.

• Cafés & Restaurants — relax in Arusha’s best coffee spots and brunch cafes loved by travelers.

• Local Shopping — browse boutiques and artisan markets for souvenirs.

Take it slow, stretch out, recharge, and enjoy the relaxed pace of Arusha.

In the evening, we come together for a traditional Tanzanian Nyama Choma (BBQ) night—grilled meats, good music, cold drinks, and the best vibes after your Kili summit. Games, Drinks & Vibes.

Once the BBQ wraps up, we’ll head out to experience Arusha’s famous Thursday nightlife—one of the best club nights in the city! Expect lively music, great energy, and an unforgettable celebration of your Kilimanjaro success.

In the morning you will be picked up from The White House in Arusha and hereafter we drive to Tarangire National Park.

The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south.

The Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, from June-October. The fierce sun sucks the moisture from the landscape, baking the earth a dusty red, the withered grass as brittle as straw. As well as large elephant herds, you will have great possibility to spot both lions, giraffes, buffaloes and much more.

After a picnic lunch we do an afternoon game drive, where after we continue to Mtu Wa Mbu, where you will overnight and enjoy dinner.

A stunning campground, up in the hills overlooking the natural beauty of Lake Manyara, Migombani is an attraction in itself! With a cliffside pool, Bar and great modern facilities, you are ensured a great stay!

Today, you will visit Ngorongoro Crater, the main feature of which is a large, unbroken, unfolded volcanic caldera.

The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago, is mostly open grassland with two small wooded areas. Game drives through the Ngorongoro Crater begin early in the morning in safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. The descent into the crater is one of scenic beauty, as you make your way through lush forests, home to numerous elephants and buffaloes. As you reach the inside of the crater, your guide will take you through the grassy crater floor, the unbelievable fever tree forest, the banks of Lake Magadi and the surrounding marshes.

Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share this extraordinary paradise.

After your picnic lunch, we will drive back to Arusha where you will be dropped at The White House.

Today you’ll spend the day giving back to the community by delivering essential Health & Wellbeing workshops at one of our local partner primary schools. These sessions focus on important life skills and health topics that are rarely included in the standard school curriculum—making your contribution both meaningful and deeply valued by the students and teachers.

You’ll work in pairs, rotating through classes to teach fun, interactive workshops on topics such as:

• WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)

• Disease Prevention

• Nutrition & Healthy Eating

• Dental Hygiene

• Women’s Health & Hygiene

Each workshop is designed to be simple, engaging, and empowering—helping students build practical habits that support long-term wellbeing within their homes and communities.

After a rewarding day of teaching, we’ll finish with an energetic afternoon of sports, games, and fun activities with the students—an opportunity to bond, celebrate, and enjoy the lighter side of volunteering.

A meaningful day of impact, connection, and unforgettable memories.

The Maasai tribe is the main tribe in Arusha, and a trip to an authentic village should definitely be on your list!

When you arrive to the village the women of the tribe will be welcoming you with dancing and singing, in which you are most welcome to join them. After this your guide will show you around the village and explain and answer all your questions about their culture and tradition. After this, usually you are invited for a cup of chai (tea) with the elders of the tribe, and here you have another chance of getting answers to all your questions. This part is often followed by the traditional slaughter of a goat where you will be invited to taste the fresh goat’s blood, as Maasai tradition will say this is good for your health and strength. If this is not really your cup of tea, then you are welcome to wait until they barbecue the goat and you can get to taste the meat!

The day usually ends with the men’s dance, which is a show-off of who can jump the highest. And boy, can they jump! Of course you are also most welcome to join in this dance. At some point during these activities you will also be served a lunch-box.

Usually you will stay in the village and enjoy the activities until late afternoon, where after you will be taken back to The White House Hostel in Arusha!

Tonight, we come together for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey. After days of adventure, connection, and meaningful impact, this evening is all about reflecting on your favourite moments, sharing laughs, and enjoying one last taste of Tanzania’s warm hospitality.

It’s the perfect way to wrap up your tour—great food, great company, and a final night to remember before everyone heads off on their next adventure.

With many tears, last hugs, and a final round of photos, today we say goodbye and close this unforgettable chapter together. After days of adventure, challenge, friendship, and memories you’ll carry forever, it’s time to begin your journey home.

There’s absolutely no rush to leave — you’re welcome to relax at the hostel until your flight time. Enjoy a slow morning, grab a coffee, repack, or simply hang out with your new travel family before heading to the airport.

For those not quite ready for the adventure to end, we also offer an optional Zanzibar add-on for beach vibes, nightlife, kite-surfing, and more East African magic. If you want to keep the party going and explore one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, we’ve got you covered!

Wherever you’re headed next — thank you for being part of this journey. 🌍💛✨