Machame route

Highlights: Orientation, planning a trip, and acclimation

Luxury resort in Arusha with full board

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a private transfer will get you to your accommodation in Arusha. Once settled in, accompany your seasoned guide for an all-encompassing orientation covering route specifics, safety precautions, gear inspections, and basic trekking advice. This getting ready guarantees your complete readiness for the road ahead. Ready for the lifelong adventure, rest and savor the evening in this little safari center.

Distance: 11 km; Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Gain in elevation: 1,200 meters

Trail Conditions: moderate rise in a luscious rainforest

Accommodation: Machame Camp, tents with complete dining options

Your path begins with a beautiful drive to the Machame Gate. The trip starts in a lush jungle bursting with tall trees, interesting ferns, and lots of wildlife following registration. As you walk toward Machame Camp, spot vivid species like the Hartlaub’s turaco. After dinner made by our cooking crew at camp, relax under the African sky for your first night.

Distance: 5 km | Elevation Gain: 800 m | Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Rocky trails, newly developed moorland conditions

Accommodation: Shira Camp; mountain- Views tents

Awaken to a hearty breakfast and then on through Kilimanjaro’s changing terrain. The scene changes to a moorland zone as you climb out of the woodland, dotted with gigantic groundsels and heathers. Trek across the breathtaking ridge with broad views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau. Arriving at Shira Camp, on the brink of the plateau, see Mount Meru in the distance.

Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 7–8 hours | Elevation Gain: 830 m (ascend), 670 m (descend)

Trail Conditions: Alpine zone’s semi-desert; acclimatization climb

Accommodation: Barranco Camp; fully equipped tents

This day stresses acclimatization with a climb to the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic creation. Once at the highest point of the day, you will descend to Barranco Camp, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. This climb exposes you to the semi-desert environment of Kilimanjaro, where hardy plants that survive the high altitudes dot otherwise austere but stunning scenery.

Distance: 5 km; hiking time: 4–5 hours; elevation gain: 75 m

Trail Conditions: Mixed ground, famous Barranco Wall ascent

Karanga Camp offers accommodation with views of Mawenzi Peak. Tents

The exciting ascent of the non-technical yet energizing Barranco Wall, with panoramic vistas, sets the tone for the day. Once at the summit, follow valleys and ridges that expose expansive views of the Karanga Valley and adjacent mountains. Further acclimatizing requires this part of the journey, which lets your body get ready for the summit push.

Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Elevation Gain: 605 m

Rocky and steep, last ascent camps have trail conditions

Accommodation: Barafu Camp; early meal and rest for summit night

You will reach Barafu Camp, the base of your summit push, following a consistent, picturesque ascent. Rest, water, and acclimatization occupy the day; with an eye on both physical and mental preparation for the evening ahead, Eat early and get as much rest as you can as your summit effort starts shortly after midnight.

Distance: 17 km | Hiking Time: 11–14 hours | Elevation Gain: 2,515 m (descend) 1,255 m (ascend

Trail Conditions: steep, high-altitude walk; snowfields close to top

Accommodation: Mweka Camp featuring tent meal service

Beginning at midnight, your summit bid moves gently, steadily toward Stella Point on the crater rim. As you ascend Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Africa, see a breathtaking dawn over the continent. Celebrate your success, take breathtaking pictures, and begin the journey back to Mweka Camp so you may relax and consider your amazing accomplishment.

Distance: 10 kilometers; Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Conditions of Trail: Shaded paths, rainforest descent

Certificate collecting at Mweka Gate marks completion.

The last drop brings you back across the verdant rainforest, a serene finale to the Kilimanjaro trip. Celebrate your success at Mweka Gate with a certificate ceremony and relish a return to Arusha. A cozy lodge awaits where you may relax and enjoy your Kilimanjaro triumph or get ready for future adventures.