Arrival – Moshi- Pre-trek Briefing

Moshi - For those who have chosen the optional airport transfers, transportation will be provided from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. You will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Moshi. It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. Today will be spent on a pre-trek briefing, reviewing your equipment, and renting any necessary gear from our store.

Moshi – Machame Gate – Machame Campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 3000m.
• Distance: 13km.
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, transportation will be provided from the hotel to Machame gate. Here, you will complete the necessary registration procedures before starting the trek through the rainforest to Machame camp, where tents will be set up for you. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Machame campsite to Shira cave campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 3000m to 3800m
• Distance: 9km.
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorlands
After breakfast, leave the rainforest glades and continue ascending by crossing small valleys and a steep rocky ridge covered with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is located. At this camp, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and the sunset; followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Shira cave campsite to Barranco Campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 3800m to 3950m.
• Distance: 13km.
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
This is a long and important acclimatization day, so an early breakfast will be provided before continuing the trek east to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock at 4600m for acclimatization. Afterwards, the trek continues down to Barranco camp. The camp is located in the bottom valley of Barranco Wall, where dinner and an overnight stay will be provided.

Barranco campsite to Karanga Campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 3950m to 3963m
• Distance: 5.5 km.
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a large ravine. The route then exits steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It involves a climb over rock, which is not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, the route heads towards the Karanga Valley. From here, a steep climb up from Karanga Valley leads to the night’s camp at Karanga Camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m is available before descending back to camp for the night.

Karanga campsite to Barafu campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 3963m to 4643m
• Distance: 3 km.
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a restful night and breakfast, the walk to Barafu Camp at 4643m begins. The climb crosses desolate scree slopes with no vegetation. It is a challenging steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. Upon arrival at camp, lunch is provided, and the afternoon is spent resting in preparation for the long night and day ahead. The summit is now a further 1342m up, and the final ascent will be made tonight. Prepare equipment, ski sticks, and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. This includes replacing headlamp and camera batteries and ensuring a spare set is available. To prevent freezing, carry water in a thermal flask. An early dinner is followed by sleep, as the climb to the summit will begin between 11pm and 12am.

Barafu Hut Campsite / Uhuru Peak / Mweka Campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
• Habitat: Desert and ice.
Wake at midnight for a light breakfast and prepare for the summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn to reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trail consists of switchbacks up steep scree or possibly snow, reaching Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 5 AM. Here, views of the fabled crater and its glaciers are visible. After an hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows, the true summit, Uhuru Peak, is reached. Time is spent taking photos, depending on how you feel. After summit activities, descend back to Barafu campsite for lunch, rest, collect equipment, and continue down through moorland and heath zone to Mweka campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Mweka hut campsite to Mweka Gate to Moshi Town

Mount Kilimanjaro - • Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
• Distance: 9km.
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest.
Today marks the last day on the mountain. After breakfast, descend to Mweka Park Gate, walking across Montane Forest. This descent takes 3-4 hours. At the gate, sign out and prepare to board the vehicle for the transfer back to the hotel for certificate presentation and a well-deserved celebration.

Departure - Tanzania

Moshi - The day is free to relax after the trek before the flight home. After a restful night at the hotel, breakfast is provided, and check-out is scheduled by 10:00. (If you wish to stay at the hotel during the day, please inform us when booking your trip, and we will provide the cost for a day room, which ends at 18:00, and make the booking on your behalf.)
If a transfer to the airport is booked, you will be collected from the hotel and taken to the airport. For travelers who have booked a safari, our Kilele Climb guide will meet you in the evening for a pre-safari briefing.
*Safari, Zanzibar, and other add-ons are available for those wishing to continue exploring Tanzania.

• Camping equipment: dining tent, table, chairs, sleeping tents, sleeping pads, crockery & cutlery
• Pulse oximeters, portable oxygen tanks, and first aid kit
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• All fees and taxes included
• Fair wages for mountain crew approved by KINAPA
• Certified Wilderness First Responder guides with professional mountain crew

• Personal equipment & gear (your hiking outfit, boots, sleeping bag, etc.) that you need for the hike
• Tips to mountain crew

Embark on an exciting adventure as you climb the highest peak in Africa during our 7-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route. Known as Africa’s pinnacle, this pathway to the peak provides suitable acclimatization for trekkers of all experience levels. Fully nutritious meals are prepared by our kitchen staff, your gear is handled by porters, and your guide is committed to helping you navigate this difficult yet fulfilling journey. Expect breathtaking scenery and a genuine feeling of achievement - a truly unforgettable experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.