Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

Machame Gate - Mount Kilimanjaro - After enjoying breakfast, travel from Moshi to Machame Gate, where the porters and cooks will join the trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, over the next seven days. Upon arrival at the gate, there will be an opportunity to prepare and double-check trekking gear while the staff and guides handle registration.

The first day’s goal is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will advance to set up camp before the group’s arrival. On the first day, the hike will pass through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest, with its moss-covered trees. As the forest thins towards the end of the hike, the vegetation will transition to include heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, the surrounding area and the ultimate destination, Kibo Peak, will be visible.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Although considered the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. It’s important to carry plenty of drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints offering views of the plains and forests below, as well as Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above.

As altitude is gained, notice the change in vegetation. The trees decrease in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s renowned high-altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. After enjoying lunch, the climb continues to the Shira Plateau, formed when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp, where the rest of the day can be spent relaxing, with Kibo to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Begin the hike after breakfast. Although this day involves an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon, 690 meters will have been climbed to reach a height of 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is essential for acclimatization, hiking east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes.

Continue through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.

Barranco Camp, set among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour scramble up Barranco Wall, the most challenging part of the day, requiring the use of hands in some places to pull up. After reaching the top, make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. Camping is generally on the ridge above the valley to allow for better acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, start the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way, several of Kibo’s glaciers can be seen, as well as the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike past the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. It is recommended to sleep soon after dinner, as the summit hike begins before midnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of a headlamp. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the trek, with a steep trail until reaching the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as hikes go, not very difficult. However, the altitude makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour.

Upon reaching Uhuru, take as many photos as desired, enjoy the scenery and views, and engage in any activities before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, have breakfast and take a short break. There are still another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. The last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to transport you back to Moshi or Arusha.

At Mweka Gate, sign your name and details in a registration book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive golden certificates.

Return to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, a comfortable bed, and celebrations!

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Dinner and overnight stay at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or a similar hotel in Moshi. The next day, transfer to the airport or embark on a wildlife safari if requested.

• Lunch included
• Dinner included
• Breakfast included

• Mountain Gears, trekking pole, sleeping bag and clothes

The Machame route, which takes a seven-day journey, leads to Kilimanjaro through the forest and the moorland from the south-west direction, connecting the Shira route before it sweeps beneath Kibo’s southern ice fields. The beauty of the rainforest is overwhelming and a sense of ‘wilderness’ is palpably experienced as higher altitudes are attained. The sights of Mt. Meru emerging from the clouds are indeed breathtaking and our ultimate ascent to the pinnacle is made through the breathtaking Barafu route. The seven-day schedule allows for optimal acclimatization and also ample time to savor the spectacular views.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.