This Kilimanjaro hiking safari takes you to the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. You will climb using the Machame route, also called the Whiskey route because of its tough and rocky paths.
This route is the most popular and recommended. It passes through several vegetation zones, from rain-forest to desert and moorlands.
Standing at the highest point in Africa is a rewarding adventure many people want to try while on an African safari.
To book this safari, you need to be physically fit and strong enough to face the challenges.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Depart Moshi to Machame gate, hike to Machame camp
- Day 2: Machame camp to Shira camp
- Day 3: Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp
- Day 4: Barranco camp to Karanga camp
- Day 5: Karanga camp to Barafu camp
- Day 6: Barafu camp to Summit and descend to Mweka camp
- Day 7: Mweka camp to Mweka gate, transfer back to Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Moshi to Machame gate, hike to Machame camp
Start with an early breakfast at your hotel in Moshi town. Then transfer to Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park at Machame gate. Here, you will get a briefing about the hike to the summit.
Hire porters and get needed equipment like ropes and walking sticks. Register and meet other trekkers.
Begin your hike to Machame camp, enjoying the rainforest and the plants and animals along the way.
Day 2: Machame camp to Shira camp
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, start hiking to Shira camp. You will cross valleys and climb steep rocky ridges.
The temperature drops as you reach 3839 meters above sea level.
Day 3: Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp
This day helps your body get used to the high altitude. You will hike to the Lava Tower, also called the “shark’s tooth.”
After that, you will descend to Barranco camp, which is at 3986 meters above sea level, to rest overnight.
Day 4: Barranco camp to Karanga camp
Enjoy breakfast and then hike for 4 to 5 hours through the Alpine desert.
Crossing the Barranco Wall is the hardest and most exciting part, testing your strength and teamwork. End the day at Karanga camp.
Day 5: Karanga camp to Barafu camp
Hike to Barafu camp, which means “ice” or “freezing” in Swahili. Here, you will see glaciers and feel the cold.
Have an early dinner so you can rest and wake up early for the summit climb. Barafu camp is at 4667 meters above sea level.
Day 6: Barafu camp to Summit and descend to Mweka camp
Wake up around 2 a.m. and start the final climb to the summit. Use ropes and headlamps as needed. If you move fast, you can enjoy the sunrise at the summit in the ice.
Spend time taking photos and enjoying the moment. The Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa at 5895 meters above sea level.
After, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then continue down to Mweka camp for the night.
Day 7: Mweka camp to Mweka gate, transfer back to Moshi
After breakfast and celebrating your success, finish the hike down to Mweka gate. Check out at the park gate and return any hired equipment.
Meet your driver guide and transfer back to Moshi town for your next adventure.