9-Day Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

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

Arrive in Tanzania

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transported to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will meet you there and provide a briefing on your trek, and verify that you have all the required mountain equipment. Any missing gear can be rented on the same day.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3000 m) walking time about 5 hours

After breakfast, we will be transported to the Machame gate. The path has recently been repaired and leads through the last foothills of the fertile cultivated land. As we proceed, the path ascends through the dense, deep green, and still moist mountain rainforest until we reach the Machame Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp (3000m) – Shira Camp (3880 m) Walking time 4-5 hours

We hike from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower, covering a distance of 10 km and an elevation gain from 12,500ft to 13,000ft. This semi-desert terrain takes 6-8 hours to cover. We head east up a ridge, passing the junction to Kibo Peak, then southeast to Lava Tower, or the "Shark's Tooth." Afterward, we descend towards the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft before continuing down to the Barranco Hut at 13,000ft. This day's purpose is acclimatization and will prepare our bodies for the summit day, even though we end up at the same elevation as we started.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp (3880 m) – Barranco Camp (3980 m)

We ascend through the dark, almost vegetation-free gravel desert of lava rock, and if we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of Kili up close! The path leads us up to just below the Lava Tower, around 4450m high, before descending into the Barranco Valley. This area boasts alpine vegetation and is a highlight of the Machame Route.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp (3980 m) – Karanga Camp (4033 m), walking time about 3 hours

We depart Karanga Camp after breakfast and reach the junction that links with the Mweka Trail. Then, we continue towards the Barafu Hut, covering a distance of 4 km with an elevation gain from 13,100ft to 15,300ft. This hike takes about 4-5 hours, and we traverse the Alpine Desert habitat. Once we reach Barafu Camp, we will have completed the South Circuit, providing us with various views of the summit from different angles. From this position, we can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We will rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp (4033 m) – Barafu Camp (4673 m), walking time about 3 hours

We depart Karanga Camp after breakfast and head towards the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. From there, we continue uphill to reach the Barafu Hut. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, which provides breathtaking views of the summit from various angles. We will set up camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare ourselves for the summit day. From this position, we can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp, walking time about 13-15 hours

In the early hours of the morning, usually between midnight to 2am, we resume our journey towards the summit, situated between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Our path takes us in a northwesterly direction, and we climb through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This section of the climb is mentally and physically demanding. Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), we pause for a short break and witness a spectacular sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, we may encounter snow as we continue our ascent for another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Some hikers may catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the summit. After taking in the awe-inspiring views, we descend straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended for the descent on loose gravel terrain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1800 m) – hiking time approx 5 hours

We descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete park formalities, and receive certificates of achievement. Our vehicles meet us and we return to the hotel in Moshi. After a refreshing shower, we can celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at the arranged hotel.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure

Once you've had breakfast, we'll take you to the airport based on your flight schedule.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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