Machame Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and enjoy a private transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (50 km, 1 hour). Meet your Kilisherpas representative for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing, covering the Machame Route, safety protocols, and gear requirements. Rest and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure in the comfort of your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate (1.5-2 hours) for registration. Begin your ascent through a lush rainforest rich with moss and birdlife, trekking 11 km (7 miles) in 7 hours to Machame Camp (3,000m). Settle into high-quality tents, surrounded by forest tranquility, and enjoy a full-board meal.

Leave the rainforest behind and trek across a small valley, ascending a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge for 5 km (3 miles) in 6 hours. Turn west into a river gorge to reach Shira Cave Camp (3,850m) on the scenic Shira Plateau. Bundle up for colder temperatures below freezing and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in tents with expansive views.

Climb to the base of Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch and acclimatization, then descend ~650m following the “walk high, sleep low” principle to Barranco Camp (3,950m) over 10 km in 8 hours. Capture stunning photo opportunities of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach, then relax with dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Start with a fun scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, then traverse scree slopes for 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours to Karanga Valley (4,210m), beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. This short day aids acclimatization with spectacular views, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Trek 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours from Karanga Camp to the junction with the Mweka descent trail, then ascend to Barafu Camp (4,675m). Enjoy incredible views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, rest after dinner, and prepare for the summit push. Consider the optional Kosovo Camp upgrade ($100) for a 98% summit success rate, staying overnight in tents.

Wake at 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits, then begin the midnight summit ascent through heavy scree between Rebman and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point (5,732m), the most challenging section, over 6-8 hours. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for a sunrise view (weather permitting), photograph the summit, then descend to Barafu Camp for lunch (2-3 hours) and continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m, 3-4 hours) for dinner and a well-earned sleep in tents.

After breakfast, descend 1,300m through rainforest for 10 km (6 miles) in 4 hours to Mweka Gate. Collect your Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate at Park Headquarters, then transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha for a shower and celebration.

Enjoy breakfast and a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, 50 km, 1 hour) for your onward journey or connect with a Serengeti Nexus safari or Zanzibar trip if arranged.