9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport.

• Get picked up from the airport and transferred to Moshi town to spend the first night at Park View Hotel.

• Those arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKA) in Kenya will be picked up from the airport and then transferred to Moshi by shuttle bus.

Meals: No meals included.

• Drive for an hour from Moshi to Machame Gate.

• Upon arrival, complete park formalities, meet the climbing crew and porters, and begin the climb. The first section of the route ascends steadily through magnificent, dense rainforest.

• This path is less well trodden, so it can be somewhat overgrown in places. It is also often wet and muddy underfoot, so caution is advised.

Distance covered: 10.8km/6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• After breakfast, continue up through the forest until reaching the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where rewarding views of the mountain await.

• Looking back, see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Distance covered: 5.4km/3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek.

• Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, before finally reaching camp.

• The day is spent at altitude, up to 4600m, following the mountaineering code of 'walk high, sleep low' to help the body's acclimatization to altitude.

Distance covered: 10.8km/6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• Start the day by descending into the beginning of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine.

• Then exit steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates climbers from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rock - not technical, but long and tiring.

• Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley.

• From here, make a steep climb up from Karanga Valley towards Karanga Camp, set at 3963m.

• For those feeling strong, there is the option of a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Distance covered: 5.5km/3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• After a good night's rest and breakfast, set off towards Kosovo Camp at 4,800m. The climb crosses desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around, making it a tough, steep walk made even more difficult by the altitude.

• On arriving at camp, eat and spend the afternoon resting while preparing for the long night and day ahead. It is important to stay hydrated and warm.

• Have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep before waking again between 11 pm and 12 pm to begin the climb to the summit.

Distance covered: 3.5km/1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• Start climbing around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers.

• Climb scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You may also reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) just as the first rays of the sun hit.

• View the spectacular ice cliffs within the crater, as well as the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond.

• Another hour's walk leads to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

• Begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a scree slope.

• Trek back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long, well-earned rest.

Distance covered: 13.4km/8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12-15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

• Enjoy a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to complete park formalities and receive certificates.

• Meet the driver and transfer back to the hotel in Moshi.

Distance covered: 12.1km/7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included.

• Enjoy a free day to wind down after the trek before taking your flight back home.

• Depending on flight times, you may also explore Moshi town and pick up some gifts before heading to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast included.

End of tour.