8-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek from Arusha to Uhuru Peak

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our shuttle driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha city. You will stay at Arusha Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, a beautiful hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and a perfect place to prepare for the adventure ahead.

In the evening at 5:30 p.m., we meet for a preliminary briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate compulsory health insurance and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight stay at Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa.

The ascent starts from Machame Gate (1830m), and we walk through the lush slopes of Kilimanjaro. As you slowly gain altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame refuge, 3000 meters above sea level. On a clear day, we may get our first closer look at the Kibo Glacial Dome, evening clouds permitting.

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

This is a shorter day, climbing a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as the Picnic Site, followed by a gentler climb through the lower alpine moor, known for its gorgeous alpine wildflowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

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

Today, we walk uphill and enjoy panoramic views. We cross the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, pass below the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and after a hot lunch, descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900m).

Shira Camp to Barranco Valley (3,900m): 5-7 hours of walking.

Our day begins by descending to the start of the Great Barranco, a huge canyon. We then climb steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo. This is a rocky climb - not technical, but long and tiring.

Below the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we continue into the Karanga Valley. From here, we make a steep climb up the valley to our overnight stay at Karanga Camp at 3963m. For those feeling strong, there will be an acclimatisation hike to around 4200m in the afternoon before returning to camp for the night.

After breakfast at camp, we make a steep climb from Karanga and then follow an easier path over compacted scree, with stunning views across this barren, empty landscape, to Barafu Camp. Both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from Barafu Camp.

After a hot lunch at camp, we spend the rest of the day resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early evening hike to the summit.

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

We wake before midnight in the dark and begin a steep climb up loose volcanic scree slopes, following well-graded zigzags. A slow but steady pace brings us to the edge of the main crater at Stella Point, 5,735m. Here, we rest for a few minutes and enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.

Those still feeling strong can continue on the two-hour round trip along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your achievement, we descend to Barafu. The descent is incredibly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for refreshments before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

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

A gentle stroll takes us through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their certificates. After lunch, we return to Arusha Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa for dinner and an overnight stay.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours of hiking.