After breakfast we transfer 5km to the Machame Gate (1850m) where our hike starts after a brief introduction to our crew. The day’s hike takes 7 hours (15km) leading through the natural rain forest and giant heather between Rivers Weru and Makoa. After a lunch stop about halfway we arrive at the Machame Hut (3000m) in the late afternoon. The crew has already set camp and welcomes us with hot cup of tea. Overnight will be in tents in at a fly camp.

Accommodation: Machame Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Today’s hike takes (5-6 hrs- 8km) leading down a gorge where we cross several dry river beds before ascending up a cliff. Here we can view the Shira Plateau, the oldest of the 3 Kilimanjaro Calderas and enjoy a well-deserved lunch break. After a rest we soldier on towards Shira Hut (3800m) where we reach in the late afternoon. As the sun sets, we start seeing the glimmering lights of Moshi and Kilimanjaro Airport far below us. Dinner and overnight stay will once again be at a fly camp.

Accommodation: Shiira Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

After breakfast at 7:00am we leave Shira hut for a long day’s hike (6-7hours) to Barranco Hut. The path takes us through sparse vegetation to the start of the Alpine desert to close to Lava Tower Hut at 4600m.  Here we stop for a lunch before descend again to Barranco at 3950m. We arrive at Barranco in the late afternoon. Our crew has already set camp and prepared dinner. We retire early to bed in our tents for a good night’s rest.

Accommodation: Barranco Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

Today’s hike is meant for acclimatization.  After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall.   The 250m ascend takes us about 2 hours. We do not need to be technical climbers but some sections require our hands too. Finally, we descend to the Karanga Valley campsite for late lunch and a rest in a serene environment.

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.

Day 6 (Day 5) Barafu Hut ( 4800m)

We leave the last Water point, the Kaaanga River behind and move on with the day’s hike which takes us to Barafu Hut (4600m). After a 2hr gentle walk through Moorland and dry heather, we pass by a steep rocky trail, 3hrs on, we arrive at Barafu from where we have a magnificent view of Kibo, Mawenzi and the plains below. Overnight will be at a fly camp.

Accommodation: Barafu Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

After a short night and a hot drink, the final ascend of Kibo starts between midnight and 1.00am. This section gets gradually steeper as we zigzag for 5-6 hours on the frozen screed or snow fields depending on the season before we reach the Stella Point (5700m) at sunrise. From here on the crater rim we can watch sunrise and the magnificent ice fields. After a short break we then proceed along the crater rim to the Uhuru Peak (5895m) reaching there at about 8.30am. After the obligatory summit photo, and meeting the technical climbers coming from the west we descend to Barafu Hut for lunch before proceeding to Mweka Hut (3100m). The night again will be spent in a fly camp.

Accommodation: Mweka Hut

Meal Plan: B L D

At breakfast, we share our summit experiences once more as we overlook the Kibo towering above us. At 8.00 am we start our final descend (3 to 4 hours) to Mweka gate (1400m). Here we are awarded our well-deserved certificates of achievement. Our driver is already waiting to take us back to Sal Salinero Hotel for a celebratory dinner and an overnight stay in comfort with the delight of a hot shower.

Accommodation: Sal Salinero Hotel

Meal Plan: D B

After breakfast we meet up with our driver/ guide for transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or a Safari extension (to be booked in advance)