7-Day The Ascent of Kilimanjaro - Machame Road

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Upon your arrival in Tanzania

Arrival in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport, welcome and transfer. Then, briefing for the Kilimanjaro climb by your French- or English-speaking guide. Overnight at the hotel with half board. Transfer time: approximately 1 hour. Accommodation: planned hotel with half board (room, dinner, and breakfast).

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Under the Shade Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Machame Trek - tropical forest and high-altitude landscapes

After breakfast, depart with your packed lunch towards the Chaga village of Machame, the starting point of the Kilimanjaro trek at Machame Gate (1,800 m). This first day of ascent immerses you in the heart of the Kilimanjaro tropical forest, a dense and mysterious environment composed of rubber trees, giant ferns, ficus, and the lush vegetation typical of this region of Tanzania.

As you ascend, the tropical forest gradually gives way to high-altitude vegetation made up of tall grasses and giant plants characteristic of the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. A picnic lunch is planned during the hike to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.

By the end of the day, arrive at Machame Camp (3,000 m), where your campsite is set up near the camp huts. Overnight in a comfortable tent on a full-board basis, immersed in nature, offering an authentic experience on the slopes of Kilimanjaro before the next stage of the ascent.

Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours. Elevation gain: +1,188 m.

Main Destination:

Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ascent to the Shira Plateau

After breakfast, depart from the campsite to continue your Kilimanjaro ascent. If the weather is favorable, you will enjoy spectacular views of Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trail passes through high-altitude savanna composed of tall grasses, volcanic rocks, and heathers covered in lichens. As you ascend, the first giant senecios, iconic Kilimanjaro plants, appear in this unique landscape.

The hike continues from Machame Hut (3,000 m) to the Shira Plateau, crossing an impressive volcanic environment of ancient lava flows, natural caves, and small streams lined with mosses. A picnic lunch stop is planned during the ascent to fully enjoy the panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro massif.

By the end of the day, arrive at Shira Camp (3,840 m), located on the vast Shira Plateau, at the heart of a spectacular volcanic setting.

Hiking time: 4–6 hours • Elevation gain: +840 m.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kilimanjaro Acclimatization

After breakfast, depart from Shira Camp towards Kibo, one of the three volcanoes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent is gradual through a rocky landscape up to Lava Tower (4,600 m), a key point for altitude acclimatization. A picnic lunch stop is planned to enjoy the spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro massif.

After this climb, the trail descends to Barranco Camp (3,950 m), located on the edge of the spectacular Great Barranco Canyon. This impressive site is known for its giant senecios, iconic Kilimanjaro plants, and numerous small waterfalls cascading into the canyon.

Settle in your tented campsite, full-board, in this majestic natural setting. Overnight at Barranco Camp, an ideal place for stargazing and resting before the next stage of the ascent.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours • Elevation gain: +730 m.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

From Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, depart from Barranco Camp to reach Barafu Camp (4,600 m), a key stage before the final ascent of Kibo, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, you will cross the spectacular Great Barranco Wall, an impressive rock formation and one of the highlights of the trek.

The trail is accessible and without major difficulty, alternating ascents and descents along the slopes of Kilimanjaro. A picnic lunch stop is planned in the Karanga Valley, before climbing a moraine leading to Barafu Camp. Throughout the ascent, admire the majestic Mawenzi on your right and the imposing Kibo summit above you.

Settle in your tented campsite, full-board, for an overnight in the heart of the Kilimanjaro massif. Take this time to rest and stargaze before the final ascent.

Hiking time: 7–9 hours • Elevation gain: +680 m.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Final Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Depart around midnight for the final stage of the Kilimanjaro ascent, with temperatures ranging from -2 to -15°C. The trail winds along the slopes to the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers, between which you progress in an almost surreal atmosphere. The steep zigzagging climb takes you to the heart of the hanging glaciers.

After approximately 6 hours of hiking, at the first light of dawn, you reach the crater rim between Stella Point and Hans Meyer. There remains a 45-minute to 1-hour trek along the snow-covered ridge to reach the long-awaited summit: Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After this achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for a short break, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). A picnic lunch stop is planned during the ascent and descent to recharge and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Kilimanjaro massif.

Hiking time: 10–14 hours • Elevation gain: +1,255 m • Elevation loss: -2,800 m.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

End of the Tour, descent from Mount Kilimanjaro

After spending the night at Mweka Camp (3,100 m), you begin the final descent through the rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail, sometimes muddy and slippery, winds beneath dense vegetation of ferns and tall trees, offering a striking contrast to the stark, mineral landscapes of the high mountains.

After approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking, you reach Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where the climb officially ends and where the rangers register your arrival.

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours. Distance: 10 km. Elevation loss: -1,460 m.

Your stay in Tanzania is drawing to a close. You will leave with a suitcase full of unique memories and the desire to return and explore even more of this fascinating country.

Accommodation: Hotel with half-board (room, dinner, and breakfast included), subject to availability.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.