9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), where you will meet your tour representative for transfer to your hotel for bed and breakfast and a briefing.

• You will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Machame Gate, a journey of about 45 minutes.
• Along the way, you will pass through villages located on the mountain's lower slopes.

Elevation: 1800m/5940ft to 2900m/9570ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

• This is a shorter day. After breakfast, the route continues upward through a steep rocky ridge with wide views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.

Elevation: 2900m/9870ft to 3750m/12375ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland

• The morning begins with a long crossing of the plateau as you head due east toward Kibo.
• As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, which takes about 3-4 hours to reach at 4600m/15180ft. Packed lunches or hot lunches are served at the tower. This is a very important area for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day.
• After that, continue down to Barranco Camp, which takes about 2 hours. Here, you can rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Elevation: 3750m/12375ft to 3900m/12870ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

• The day starts by descending to the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine, and then taking a steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall to the top.
• Here, you will have views of Heim Glacier, some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro, and you will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down through the Karanga Valley to your overnight camp.

Elevation: 3900m/12870ft to 3930m/12969ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland

• After a good breakfast, set off on the walk to Barafu Camp across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around, followed by a steep climb to camp.
• After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk. The camp usually offers stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Elevation: 3930m/12969ft to 4670m/15411ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

• This is your special day when your dream comes true. Your guide will wake you around 23:00 for tea and biscuits.
• The summit climb begins on steep, loose volcanic scree with some well-graded switchbacks, and a slow but steady pace will take you toward Stella Point on the crater rim at 5696m/18800ft in about 5 to 6 hours.
• After a rest, hot water, and the magnificent sunrise, continue ascending for about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
• Here, you will have a short time to take photographs around the summit and drink tea or water. Those who are still feeling strong will have a chance to pass nearby glaciers.
• The descent to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast, and after lunch, refreshments, and collecting your trekking poles, continue descending through moorland to reach your final campsite at Mweka. Most people will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the area.

Elevation: 4670m/15411ft- 5895m/19453ft to 3100m/10230ft

Distance: 19 km

Hiking Time: 15 hours

Vegetation: Alpine Desert/Arctic to Moorland

• This is another big day, and your staff will sing and dance for you. After that, descend on a well-maintained trail through the lovely rainforest with many birds, tall trees, flowers, and many interesting things to see.
• The route ends at Mweka Gate, where all hikers are required to sign out and receive certificates of completion.
• Your driver will take you back to the hotel. On the way, you will pass through coffee and banana farms around Mweka village.

Elevation: 3100m/10230ft to 1700m/5610ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rain forest

• Rest at the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Trip ends.