8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route)

You begin your journey upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport. You will be welcomed by the transfer driver and taken to your accommodation for that evening. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel of explore the town of Arusha. A briefing will take place this evening in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Following a hearty breakfast, you will be fetched from your hotel, and travel to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. In a brief distance you will be in the heart of the lush, majestic mountain rainforest. If luck is on our side we might see the splendid black and white thumb-less Colobus monkeys in the trees. Five to six hours later you will arrive at today’s destination, the Machame Camp, located just beneath the tree line at 3,010 metres. Here, at the foot of the Mountain, you will indulge in your first dinner and stay the evening at the camp.

Following a start in the early morning we depart from the Machame Camp and timberland. The route gets steeper and the terrain transforms into a moor with heather and other low shrubs, providing a beautiful scenic view. Today’s leg of the journey is shorter than the final leg and by the afternoon we will have reached the New Shira Campsite, situated at the Shira Plateau. The camp provides incredible views of the mountain, particularly when the sunsets.

Today we hike around 800 metres and camp on a slope that is only a bit steeper than the evening before. This allows us to adapt to our environment and climate as we will reach a height of more than 4,500 metres in the following two days prior to returning to the base of the Mountain. The hike starts with a lengthy climb above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut. Following approximately six to seven hours later we reach what is arguably the most splendid camp on the Kilimanjaro Mountain – the Barranco Camp.

Today’s hike begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall. Safety is extremely important, therefore you will be secured when required along this path. Following the ridge as it undulates, it provides incredible views of the south glacier of Kibo. You’ll need to use your hands for some stages, but no climbing is required. There will always be someone at your side to help you along the way. With numerous ascents and descents, this route allows for further acclimatization and leads to the mountain ridge. As you walk along the ridge, you’ll be able to see the stunning contrast between the desert and the vegetation, before finally reaching Barafu Camp, which is cloudy with rain. A 3 to 4 hour trek leaves you more than enough time to rest. Evening meal and overnight at Barafu Camp.

Your guide will wake you up around midnight with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to prepare you for the final ascent. As you climb Stella Point (5,730m), your only source of light will be the moon and your headlamps. You will reach the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. It will take you 1 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, where you can see the sun rising over the African landscape, casting a pink tint over the snowy peak and causing the glaciers to sparkle like diamonds. Your team will await you at Barafu Camp with some snacks and refreshments after you have captured this incredible view and achievement on film. As you rest and relax, you’ll make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on Africa’s highest mountain.

After your delicious breakfast, your mountain crew will bid you farewell before you start your final descent. On your way to the Mweka Gate, you will trek once again through the rainforest, giving you the chance to see the cheeky colobus monkeys once again. Upon arrival, you will be taken back to Meru View Lodge for a long shower and a relaxing day by the pool.

After your delicious breakfast you will be transferred to the airport. Alternatively, extend your adventure with an exciting safari in Tanzania’s renowned wildlife parks, or relax on the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. The possibilities are endless. We look forward to welcoming you back to Tanzania in the future