Kilimanjaro Machame route: the group ascent

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will escort you to your lodge . You will have some time to relax and prepare before the start of the climb. In the late afternoon, around 4 pm , your guide will hold a detailed briefing on the itinerary and assist you in packing your bag, which is limited to 15 kg per person . The evening concludes with a night at the lodge, with meals at your leisure .

Departure at 8:00 AM in an all-terrain vehicle towards Machame Gate (1800 m), the starting point of your climb. En route, if the sky is clear, you'll enjoy views of Mount Meru and the majestic Kilimanjaro rising before you. You'll cross the agricultural lands of the Chaga people before arriving at Machame Gate.

The trek begins in the lush, humid equatorial rainforest , rich in biodiversity. You'll walk among podocarpus trees, rubber trees , wild mango trees , giant ferns , begonias , and impressive strangler figs . With a bit of luck, you might spot the Guereza colobus monkey , recognizable by its black and white fur.

As you progress, the rainforest gradually gives way to tall grasses and a mystical moorland of tree heather . The climb, steady and not very steep, is nonetheless long. At the end of the day, you reach Machame Camp (3000 m). On a clear day, you can admire Kibo , the main peak of Kilimanjaro, as well as Shira , one of Kilimanjaro's three sub-massifs along with Mawenzi. Overnight at the camp, in a high-mountain atmosphere.

Wake up in your tent to a hot tea or coffee, accompanied by a breathtaking view of Kibo , before enjoying an energizing breakfast. The day begins with a steep path through tree heaths adorned with lichens, which give way to high-altitude moorland . You'll discover flora typical of Kilimanjaro, with its giant groundsels , lobelias , and immortelles .

As you ascend, you'll occasionally catch glimpses of the Western Gap , a famous passage for the more technical climbs leading to Kibo. You'll then reach the Shira Plateau , a vast, sloping expanse where, to the west, rise the remnants of the Shira Crater: basalt spires and cathedrals formed by ancient eruptions. Beyond this volcanic landscape, you can make out Mount Meru on the horizon.

The afternoon is free for you to rest or enjoy a short walk around the camp to aid your acclimatization. Overnight at Shira Camp , located at 3840m , in a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the mountains.

You gradually leave the high-altitude moorland behind and enter the alpine desert , an arid landscape where flora still survives in a few sheltered spots. The climb is steady up to the Lava Tower pass , located at 4600 m , where you discover the imposing basalt towers , spectacular remnants of the massif's volcanic activity.

After a well-deserved break, you begin the descent towards Barranco through a small gap. This valley, one of the few in the volcano, was formed following a collapse. Here, giant groundsels , sheltered from the wind and watered by numerous small waterfalls, grow in abundance, standing like veritable natural totems.

You finish this stage at the Barranco campsite (3950 m), located on a promontory offering spectacular views: on one side, an immense cliff, and on the other, a sweeping view of the Tanzanian savannah . A night at the camp is a true immersion at the foot of Kilimanjaro.

You begin the day by climbing the Barranco wall , an impressive but accessible ascent without major technical difficulties. In some sections, you will need to use your hands, but your guides are there to supervise and assist you.

Once at the summit, you begin a long traverse along the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, alternating between ascents and descents. To your left, the imposing glaciers of Kibo dominate the landscape, while Mawenzi , another peak in the massif, stands majestically on the horizon.

You reach the Karanga campsite for a welcome hot lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to rest to conserve your energy or explore the surrounding area of ​​the southern circuit with your guide. Overnight at the campsite, at an ideal altitude to continue your acclimatization.

You're making your way along a well-maintained trail that leads to Kilimanjaro Base Camp . As you climb, temperatures drop and vegetation becomes even sparser, giving way to a stark, mineral landscape. You follow the ridge that leads you to Barafu Camp (4,600 m), located at the foot of the Kibo crater , your ultimate goal. To the east, Mawenzi rises majestically, adding a dramatic touch to the panorama.

In Barafu, water is carried by porters, so it's important to use it sparingly. Thanks to the extended 7-day trek instead of 6, you arrive at camp earlier. This allows you to enjoy a hot lunch and rest in the afternoon. In the evening, a nourishing meal helps you recharge before the final ascent. You go to bed early to set off in the best possible conditions during the night.

Wake up at 11 p.m. for a "breakfast" before setting off around midnight with headlamps. You begin the ascent, a series of switchbacks, progressing slowly and steadily. Along the way, you skirt the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers to reach Stella Point (5700 m), located on the crater rim, at dawn.

Another hour's effort along the gentle ridge of the volcano, and you reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the summit of Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa . You enjoy this exceptional moment before descending in about 3 hours to Barafu Camp , where you'll find your tent for a well-deserved rest.

After this short, restorative sleep, you continue your descent. A hike of approximately 4 hours and 1500 meters of descent leads you to Mweka Camp (3100 m), where you spend the night. If conditions permit, the guide may decide to stop at Millennium Camp (3800 m) to better distribute the stages. This decision depends on the group's condition and the schedule, and will be made accordingly.

You begin a steady descent on the Mweka trail , leaving behind landscapes reminiscent of the maquis . Gradually, you re-enter the rainforest which accompanies your final steps to the park exit.

Upon arrival, lunch awaits you, and if you have reached the summit, you will receive your climbing certificate as a souvenir of this unforgettable adventure. You then bid farewell to your team of guides, porters, and cooks.

An all-terrain vehicle takes you through the coffee and banana plantations, typical of the region, to reach Arusha , where your journey ends.

You can relax in your hotel 's facilities or take some time to explore Moshi , a lively little town at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight , bringing this wonderful adventure to a close.

For those who have opted for an extended stay , you will continue your journey with a safari or a relaxing stay in Zanzibar , depending on the program chosen. Meals are at your own expense before your departure or onward journey.

You arrive in Paris in the morning, marking the end of your adventure.