Kilimanjaro via Machame: the iconic route

After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you'll depart for a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame National Park gate. Upon arrival, you'll check in and receive your packed lunch. The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery trails if it has been raining. The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes 6 hours. In the evening, the porters will boil water for drinking and washing, while the cook prepares dinner. As temperatures can drop to freezing, you'll spend the night in tents in a cool but rewarding atmosphere.

Altitude: 910 m – 3,000 m

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you will begin your trek towards Shira Camp. The hike covers approximately 5 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. The trail starts with a steep climb through alpine moorland, offering stunning panoramic views throughout the ascent. As you approach Shira Camp, you will walk along a ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, the porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch. You will then have time to rest and acclimatize before dinner. In the evening, your guide will give you instructions for the following day.

Altitude: 3,000 m – 3,840 m

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you'll begin a challenging hike to Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630 meters. The 11-kilometer (7-mile) trek takes between 7 and 8 hours and traverses rocky, semi-desert terrain. You'll enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent, approximately 2 hours long, offers stunning views of the Western Breach. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day's hike to prepare you for the upcoming stages of your adventure.

Altitude: 3,840 m – 4,630 m – 3,960 m

After an early breakfast, you'll begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding ascent offering spectacular views. Once at the top, you'll descend into the lush Karanga Valley, where you'll have lunch at Karanga Camp. After a short break, you'll continue your trek towards Barafu Camp, traversing varied terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, the porters will set up camp while you rest and enjoy dinner prepared by our chef. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the details of the final ascent. Get a good night's rest, as the climb to the summit will begin later that night.

Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,640 m

You will get up around 11:30 pm and begin the ascent after having tea and some biscuits. Heading northwest, you will climb through scree to Stella Point, located on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb to Stella Point (5,685 m) is often the most physically and mentally demanding part of the entire trek. After a short break at Stella Point, you will be rewarded—weather permitting—with a magnificent sunrise. From there, it is approximately a 2-hour climb over snow-covered terrain to reach Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather conditions, so it is advisable not to linger too long due to the cold and fatigue.

The descent to Barafu takes approximately 3 hours, where you can take a short break before continuing to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Altitude: 4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,090 m

After breakfast at Camp Mweka, you will walk down to the Mweka Gate, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to the Salinero Hotel. There, a hot lunch and a well-deserved shower await you. At the end of the trip, it is customary and appreciated to leave a tip for the team; envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel.

If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet our safari coordinator directly at the hotel. After a short rest, they will present the various options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to discover Tanzania's spectacular wildlife and exceptional landscapes, making your trip truly unforgettable.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight.