Kilimanjaro Full Moon Trek – 7 Days
Overview
A Kilimanjaro Full Moon Trek is a magical and unforgettable experience. Climbing under the light of the full moon illuminates the glaciers, rocks, and surrounding landscape, creating a surreal atmosphere as you ascend Africa’s highest peak. The full moon provides natural light, making the night trek to the summit more enjoyable and offering stunning views of the mountain and surrounding plains. The 7-day trek follows the Machame Route, which is known for its scenic beauty and high success rate due to its gradual ascent
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- In the evening, you’ll meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and equipment check.
- Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate – Machame Camp
- Elevation: 1,800m to 2,835m (5,905ft to 9,301ft)
- Hiking Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, you’ll drive to Machame Gate where the trek begins. The first section of the trail takes you through dense rainforest with towering trees and ferns. You may spot monkeys and colorful birds along the way. As the trail climbs, it becomes steeper and eventually reaches Machame Camp, where you will spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Elevation: 2,835m to 3,850m (9,301ft to 12,631ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- After an early breakfast, the trail continues with a steep climb up through moorland. You’ll leave the rainforest behind and enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. The trail flattens out as you reach Shira Camp, which sits on a high plateau with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (12,631ft to 15,091ft) then down to 3,900m (12,795ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today is an important acclimatization day. You’ll trek towards Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, which provides a valuable opportunity to adapt to higher altitudes. After a rest at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley and arrive at Barranco Camp, known for its beautiful views of the Barranco Wall and Kibo Peak.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,900m to 4,035m (12,795ft to 13,238ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble that offers stunning views. Once you reach the top, the trail continues through rolling hills and alpine desert until you reach Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day to allow for acclimatization and rest before the summit attempt.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m (13,238ft to 15,223ft)
- Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today’s trek is a gradual ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit push. After arriving, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Dinner will be early, followed by rest as you’ll begin the summit trek at midnight under the full moonlight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (15,223ft to 19,341ft), then down to 3,080m (10,105ft)
- Hiking Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- At midnight, you’ll begin your final ascent under the glow of the full moon. The climb to Stella Point is the most challenging part of the trek, involving a steep, rocky trail. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,739m), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views as the sun rises over Africa. From there, it’s a relatively short hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu Camp for a short rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,080m to 1,630m (10,105ft to 5,348ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- The final stretch takes you through lush rainforest as you descend to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll be awarded your summit certificates and driven back to Moshi for a well-earned rest at your hotel.
Day 9: Departure
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue your adventure with an optional safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Includes
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfers to and from Machame Gate.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Professional, experienced guides, porters, and cook.
- Accommodation in tents during the trek.
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the trek.
- Drinking water and hot drinks during the climb.
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit.
- Salaries for the mountain crew.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for the mountain crew (guides, porters, and cook).
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Additional meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The best time to experience the full moon trek is during the full moon periods of the year. This unique trek can be done throughout the year, but the ideal months for clear skies are January to mid-March and June to October.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging. The 7-day itinerary provides good acclimatization but requires physical fitness and stamina for the summit night, which is done under the full moon.
- Success Rate: High. The 7-day Machame Route offers excellent acclimatization with a gradual ascent, improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak