Explore the world with tourHQ
Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Embark on an adventurous trek to Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and experience its breathtaking views. Hike through forests and expansive, never-ending savannah grass slopes before summiting Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for an adventure of a lifetime.
Stay for some time at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340').
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Reach Arusha via Namanga border town for immigration formalities.
Arrange your climbing gear and attend a briefing with your guide.
Overnight at a budget hotel in Arusha.
Pick up from your hotel in Arusha at 8.00 am for an early start to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Reach Machame Park Gate. From the gate, begin your trek along an easy track for the first hour through dense forest. The path then continues along the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections.
Machame Hut is 10 km away, and the hiking time will be around 5-7 hours.
Walk from Machame Hut, cross the stream onto its west bank, and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge, criss-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks.
Ascend 900 meters (3,000') in 5-7 hours over about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking.
Climb further from Shira Hut and hike to Lava Tower (15,000').
Proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as you hike high, before dropping back down to Barranco after lunch.
Today's hike will take most of the day. Overnight at Barranco Campsite, located at 3950 m.
Climb up from Barranco Hut Camp through the edge of Great Barranco. Ninety-five percent of the walking that day will be at an elevation of 4250 m. Break your day at Karanga Valley Campsite at a height of 4,000 m.
Gain a little more elevation today, then acclimatise and rest for the summit attempt the following day. This day will take around 4 to 6 hours of walking.
Start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am), as the walk today will take 10-14+ hours. Avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100-meter (3,600') ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take about 6-8 hours to reach the summit.
Stay for some time at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340').
Descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200') over 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4-7 hours to Mweka Camp.
Descend about 1400 meters (4,592') through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours.
Reach Mweka Gate for your transfer to Arusha.
Where this trip takes you
Machame Hut, Lava Tower, Barranco Campsite and Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Arusha.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
