Kilimanjaro Trek Via Machame Route

After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will be there to pick you up and take you to your accommodation for the night. Once you’ve settled in and taken some time to relax, we’ll meet up for a briefing and to check mountain gear for the upcoming adventure. We highly recommend that you take a rest day upon arrival after the long flight. This will allow your body to recover and acclimatize properly, increasing your chances of successfully reaching the roof of Africa. Additionally, if any items are missing from your mountain gear, you can rent them from our store after the gear check.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you directly to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, passing through the Machame village, which serves as a cultivation zone. Once we arrive at the Machame gate (3000 m/ 9842 ft), we will have a designated area to rest while we wait for registration permits and weigh our luggage. Once the necessary formalities are completed, we will begin our adventure! Our gentle ascent begins by passing through the lush green rainforest that blankets the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see different species of birds, black and white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. After a 5 to 7 hour hike, we’ll reach Machame Camp (3000 m/ 9842 ft) and enter the shrubland area.

Meals: Breakfast, evening tea, dinner
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Elevation gain: 1200 m / 3937 ft
Accommodation: Camping

On this day, we embark on another beautiful climb, leaving the rainforest glades behind us. The first part of the hike leads us to a small circular cliff known as the Picnic Rock. We will continue along the climbing trail, following a sharp ridge that leads to the moorland area, where the vegetation becomes more scattered. We will then proceed up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau, where you will have a clear view of the western breach and its spectacular glaciers. We will spend the night at the Shira Camp (3840 m/12,000 ft), which is situated on the plateau.
Upon arrival at the camp and having lunch, we will rest for a short period of time and then acclimatize by taking a walk towards the Lava Tower before returning to camp. These acclimatization hikes are crucial as they increase the chances of reaching the roof of Africa and reduce the risk of mountain sickness. Experienced guides will always be in front of you, ensuring that the hiking pace is appropriate for the altitude.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5.3 km/ 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 840 m/ 2758 ft
Accommodation: Camping

After breakfast, we will leave the Shira Cave Camp and head towards the Barranco Wall via the Lava Tower (4630 m/ 15,190 ft), which is the highest point of the day. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Shira plateau and the snow cap of Kibo peak. This will be a long hike, and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable due to the altitude. Therefore, it’s important to stay at the Lava Tower for at least an hour to allow our bodies to adjust to the altitude. We will use this time to have a hot lunch. After lunch, we’ll begin the hike to the Barranco Wall (3960 m/ 12,960 ft), descending through a strange yet beautiful garden of giant senecio and lobelia flowers that grow up to 5 m high. The Barranco Wall is one of the most attractive geographical features of the entire trail and a meeting point for three routes: Machame, Umbwe, and Lemosho. We will spend the night at the campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11 km/ 6.8 miles
Elevation gain: 790 m/ 2592 ft
Elevation loss: 670 m/ 2198 ft
Accommodation: Camping

After breakfast, we will embark on a short but steep hike from Barranco. This section of the trail can be challenging as it requires the use of all four limbs (walking poles are not recommended). Experienced guides will choose the right path and pace to ensure safety. This part of the climb is also a favorite for many climbers due to the breathtaking views of Kibo peak on the left and the distant Mount Meru on the right. At the top of Barranco Wall (4240 m/ 13,911 ft), there are several ascents and descents, with the last big descent leading to Karanga valley, the last watering point on this route. We will use the last 20 minutes of the hike to ascend the steep trail to Karanga Camp (4043 m/ 13,264 ft).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch evening tea, dinner
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5.5 km/ 3.3 miles
Elevation gain: 83 m/ 272 ft
Accommodation: Camping

On day 6, we will continue our climb to Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft) through the alpine desert, with the majestic Kibo peak in sight, beckoning us towards the summit. Upon arrival, a hot lunch will be served, followed by ample time to rest and prepare for the summit night ahead. In the evening, enjoy the stunning sight of Mawenzi peak from the camp. A quick briefing from the guide will be followed by an early dinner before retiring to bed for a few hours. At midnight, we will rise for the summit ascent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4 km/ 2.4 miles
Elevation gain: 597m/1959 ft
Accommodation: Camping

We will commence our final summit attempt just before midnight. This is the most challenging and highest altitude segment of the journey. It’s characterized by very cold and windy conditions. Tolerance and determination are key factors for successfully reaching the summit. Each guide will have two climbers to closely monitor both their mental and physical states.
Upon reaching Stella point, we will take a brief break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before proceeding to Uhuru peak (5895 m/19,340 ft), which takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival at Uhuru peak, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise, and despite your body being tired, you will feel as if you are in paradise. We will take ample photos to capture unforgettable memories before celebrating briefly and beginning our descent to Barafu Camp. After a two-hour rest and lunch at Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft), we will continue our descent to the Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft) for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 15 km/ 9.3 miles
Elevation gain: 1255 m/ 4117 ft
Elevation loss: 2075 m/ 6807 ft
Accommodation: Camping

Another amazing day awaits! After breakfast, we will begin our descent once again, passing through Mweka Camp (3100 m/ 10,170 ft) and the lush mountain forest. By noon, we will arrive at the Mweka Gate(1676 m/ 5500 ft) where our mountain crew will be singing and dancing in celebration of our achievement of reaching the top of Africa. Those who succeeded and made it to the top will be awarded mountain certificates. We will transfer you to Moshi town for lunch and take you to your hotel either in Moshi town or in Arusha city for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 3 hours
Distance: 12 km/ 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2144 m/ 7032 ft
Accommodation: Standard hotel

You have the option to either be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to continue your Tanzanian adventure on a day trip, safari, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The choice is yours!