7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek on the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or any closer entry point in Tanzania, you will be met by our staff. After a warm welcome, transfer to the hotel. We will carefully select the best hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, a perfect place to prepare you for the adventure.

• Gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and a climbing gear inspection. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• The climb starts from Machame Gate (1830 m).

• Walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest.

• Arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000 m above sea level. If it is a clear day, we may get our first close look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.

Machame Gate to Machame Hut is 3,000 m. It is a 6-7 hour walk.

• This is a shorter day, climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, then continuing on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp is 3,840 m. It is a 4-6 hour walk.

• Walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and after a hot lunch, continue to the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m).

• Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m).

Shira Camp to Barranco Valley is 3,900 m. It is a 5-7 hour walk.

• A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.

• After a short break for a hot lunch, take a steep climb out of Karanga, followed by an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp.

• After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp is 4,600 m. It is a 7-9 hour walk.

• Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater.

• Stella Point is at 5,735 m. Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes of appreciating your accomplishment, descend to Barafu, which is amazingly fast, and stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment. Continue to Mweka Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp is 3100 m. It is a 13-15 hour walk.

• A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate; successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.

• After lunch, drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate is a 3-5 hour walk.