Of the famous seven peaks in the world, this is the easiest to get to and to climb, and it requires no technical climbing experience. Any moderately fit person can summit the mountain with the assistance of our guides and porters.

If Marangu is the "Coca Cola" route, then the Machame Route is the "whiskey" route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.

The Machame Route climb is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. With the Machame/South Circuit route, you will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles. This route is approximately 25 miles (40 km) versus 13 miles (20 km) on the Marangu route. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Climbers descend down the Mweka trail and stay at the Mweka camp the final night on the mountain.

DAY 1
Arrival and check-in

Booked into the assigned hotel in Moshi for an overnight and a briefing from your guide. You can start your trek any day of the year!

DAY 2
Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Distance: 18km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi 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.

DAY 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Mooorland

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.

DAY 4
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Distance: 15 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi Desert

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 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. 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.

OPTIONAL ACCLIMATION DAY
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

DAY 5
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Distance: 13km Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13, 779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. 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
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft) Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

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 (5685m / 18,652 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.

It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.

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

DAY 7
Mweka Camp to Moshi Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft Distance: 15km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest

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 hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

DAY 8
Transfer to airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your trip home. OR continue your adventure with a safari through the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater and/or to the exotic and tropical island of Zanzibar (also know as The Spice Island for its fabled history of spice trade) off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.