Machame Mountain Trail

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, join a briefing with the climb representatives who will provide essential information about your upcoming ascent and ensure you are fully prepared. Please note that hotel check-in begins at 2:00 pm. Overnight in Moshi.

In the morning, your guide and mountain support team will meet you at the hotel for a brief introduction before transferring by vehicle to Machame Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park at 1,800 metres. After completing the necessary formalities to obtain climbing permits and register with the search and rescue service, we will begin the trek through the rainforest towards Machame Camp at 3,010 metres. The route covers approximately 11 kilometres and takes around five to six hours. Expect tropical showers, so it is advisable to bring spare clothing and a raincoat. We will spend the night at Machame Camp.

After breakfast, we begin the trek to Shira Camp at 3,845 metres. Leaving the rainforest behind, you will enjoy your first clear views of the expansive Shira Plateau. The hike is moderate in difficulty, though the altitude may affect you, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace and listen to your body. Upon arrival, we will have lunch and some rest before setting out on an acclimatisation walk towards Lava Tower Camp, gaining approximately 300 metres in elevation. After returning to Shira Camp, a hot dinner will be served. Today’s trek covers around 5 kilometres and takes 4 to 5 hours, with the acclimatisation hike adding another 2 kilometres over 1 to 2 hours. Overnight is at Shira Camp.

After breakfast, we leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and make our way to the key point of the route – Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section involves several ascents and descents, culminating in a high-altitude camp where we will spend 1 to 2 hours to aid acclimatisation and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m), where you can admire the impressive Barranco Wall, known for its size and steepness. You will be climbing this feature the following day, but rest assured, the trail is straightforward. The day’s trek covers approximately 11 km and takes 6 to 8 hours, with significant elevation changes between Shira Camp, Lava Tower, and Barranco Camp. Alternatively, you may choose to add an extra acclimatisation night at Barranco Camp, which involves an early start to ascend the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek to Karanga Camp and an additional acclimatisation hike. Please note that selecting this option will extend the itinerary by one day. We spend the night at Barranco Camp.

We rise early for breakfast before setting off to climb the Barranco Wall. We recommend an early start to avoid the crowds. The ascent up the gorge wall is straightforward and takes about an hour. After reaching the top, we pause to rest and take in views of Kibo volcano. The day continues with a challenging trek to Karanga Camp, featuring several ascents and descents. Our guides will carefully manage the pace to ensure everyone’s comfort. Upon arrival, we serve a warm lunch followed by a couple of hours’ rest. Later, we complete the final ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640 metres), where a hot dinner awaits. It is advisable to spend the rest of the day resting and conserving energy for the night’s summit attempt. The total distance covered is approximately 11 kilometres, with an elevation gain from 3,960 to 4,640 metres, and the hiking time ranges from 8 to 10 hours. We overnight at Barafu Camp.

We depart Barafu Camp (4,640 m) during the night to begin the final ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). While the climb is not technically difficult, the high altitude presents the greatest challenge. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide to monitor your condition throughout the ascent. After reaching Uhuru Peak, you may choose to visit the nearby glacier before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. We then continue the descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) where you will spend the night. The total distance covered today is approximately 15 km, with an estimated hiking time of 8 to 12 hours.

You will wake to the fresh air of the tropical rainforest and the relief that comes with descending from high altitude, alongside the satisfaction of having reached the summit. After a warm breakfast, we will begin the final trek to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), the park’s exit point. The descent covers approximately 12 kilometres and takes around 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival, the group will gather to congratulate each other, and you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts in the guestbook. We will then present you with your commemorative certificate at our office before transferring you back to the hotel in Moshi for your overnight stay.

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Please note that hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. If your flight departs later in the day, you may opt to extend your stay at the hotel for an additional fee.