8-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at any time, where a private transfer will be waiting to take you to Arusha.

• Stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.

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

• Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge. Bed, dinner, and breakfast are included.

• Start the climb from Machame Gate (1,830 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 Machame Hut, situated at 3,000 m above sea level. If the day is clear, you may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, provided the evening clouds permit.

Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

• Enjoy a shorter day as you climb a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as the picnic site, then continue on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, known for its beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840 m): 4-6 hours walking.

• 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.

• Enjoy a hot lunch at 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 (3,900 m): 5-7 hours walking.

• Experience a steep climb up the eastern wall, which leads just below the Heim Glacier, where you may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.

• Take the steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail then continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.

• Take a short break for a hot lunch.

• Continue with 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.

• Enjoy a hot meal at camp.

• Spend the remainder of the day resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.

• Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness.

• Begin the steep climb over loose volcanic scree. The route has some well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater at Stella Point (5,735 m).

• Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi with your Tanzanian mountain guide.

• Continue slowly for the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, if you want to.

• Take time to appreciate your accomplishment.

• Descend to Barafu, which is amazingly fast.

• Stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment.

• Continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

• Take a gentle walk 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: 3-5 hours walking.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge. Bed, dinner, and breakfast are included.

• Say goodbye to your Tanzanian mountain guides.

• Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight. Unless you have time for a short safari or another activity, this can be discussed.