8-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak and Stella Point

• Stay at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, 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. The guides will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

• Start the climb from Machame Gate (1830 m) and walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

• Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000 m above sea level. On a clear day, you may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.

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

• A shorter day of climbing takes you up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, then continues 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.

• Today, 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.

• After 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.

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

• Take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you 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 to 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 a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. Well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m.

• Rest at Stella Point for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi with your Kilimanjaro hiking guide.

• Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

• After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Barafu, which is amazingly fast, and stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment.

• Continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

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

• After lunch, drive back to Arusha to Green Mountain Hotel.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

• After saying goodbye to the team of Kilimanjaro trekking guides, take your included private departure transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight, unless you choose the option of a short safari or another option that can be discussed.