Day 2: The Machame Route is known for its breathtaking scenery, and today's hike is no exception. As we ascend through the forest, we'll catch glimpses of the mighty Kibo peak through the trees, creating an air of anticipation and excitement. Our expert guides will provide insights into the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this region, making it a truly enriching experience. After saying goodbye to the rainforest, we’ll continue on up the path onto a steep, rocky ridge. After we pass over the Shira Plateau, the land opens up to heather and moorland before we cross a large river to Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,800m/12,500ft

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Habitat: Heath

Today will begin with a trek towards the Lava Tower (a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation). We’ll continue down to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest. This day is special because you’ll begin and end at the same altitude, very beneficial for acclimatization. 

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,800m/12,500ft to 4,630m/15,190 ft

Distance: 7km/4 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 4,630m/15,190ft to 3,975m/13,044 ft

Distance: 3km/1.8 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

We’ll begin the day by heading down into a ravine before we tackle the Great Barranco Wall. It’s not a technical climb but it is steep, nearly 900ft of it. From the top, we’ll then continue our trek twisting and turning before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. After another short but fairly steep climb, we’ll reach Karanga Camp. Another short day designed to help with acclimatization. 

Elevation: 3,975m/13,044ft to 3,995m/13,106ft

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast at the Karanga Camp, we’ll trek towards the route that connects with the Mweka Trail. We’ll then gradually make our way to Barafu Hut. Today, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, and the views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks here are awe-inspiring. Once we make camp, we’ll eat, rest, and prepare the bags for summit day. 

Elevation: 3,994m/13,106ft to 4,672m/15,331ft

Distance: 4km/2.5 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

At midnight, we will wake you up for a quick snack and get ready to begin our push to the summit. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek, a true endurance experience. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. As we approach Stella Point, you’ll begin to feel the heat of the magnificent sunrise appearing over the Mawenzi Peak—a truly unforgettable moment. We will then continue on until we finally reach Uhuru Peak—the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest point!

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and, later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 4,672m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking time: 7-8 hrs

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft

Distance: 12km/7.5 miles

Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our porters and continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to collect our summit certificates. It can be muddy and wet during our walk to lower elevation. You’ll begin to realize how good you feel as the altitude slowly begins to drop. We will be met at the gate by our local team who will drive us back to the hotel.

Elevation: 3,067m/10,065ft to 1,639m/5,380ft

Distance: 10km/6 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest