Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour - Machame Route

As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition.

Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.

After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your lunch pack. The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained. The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete. In the evening, the porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares your dinner. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll start your trek towards Shira Camp. The hike covers a distance of approximately 5 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views as you climb. As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, our porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch. You’ll have time to relax and acclimate before dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek.

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters. The 11 km hike takes 7 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent, lasting about 2 hours, offers stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek in the evening, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a steep yet rewarding climb that offers incredible views. Once at the top, you’ll descend into the lush Karanga Valley, where you’ll have lunch at the Karanga Camp. After a short rest, you’ll continue your trek toward Barafu Camp, climbing through varied terrain and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at Barafu, 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 upcoming summit attempt. Rest well, as the final ascent starts later in the night.

You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Springlands Hotel, where a hot lunch and refreshing shower await. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.