7 Days Machame Route

You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring drive who you will welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to Key’s Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day your trek will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for a briefing on the next morning trek.

Accommodation: Key’s Hotel.

Meal Plan: none.

After breakfast you will be picked up at the Keys Hotel at 09:30 am and drive to Machame entrance gate of mount Kilimanjaro National Park located about an hour’s drive away. At the gate your guide will be busy with the registration forms and porters will be weighing the luggage, you can walk around the entrance gate seeing monkeys or watch the mountain team preparing for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure will start. In no time you will be deep within the wonderful mountain rainforest with very old trees, ancient ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After a walk of 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the day’s destination – the Machame Camp which is located just above the tree line at 3,010 meter. At the camp, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first mountain hot dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.

Accommodation: Machame camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

After an early morning breakfast, you will start your second day trekking, the path steepens and the landscape changes into moor- and heath land and the open landscape allows you to see the exciting mountain range. The second day’s destination is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has an incredible view of the mountain and during sunset, the sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.

Accommodation: Shira camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

Today you will climb up about 800 meter but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise better since you will have relatively altitude. The hike begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower 4,640 meter. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After a 6 to 7 hours walk, you will arrive at the most stunning camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.

Accommodation: Barranco camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand. The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow you a chance for further acclimatization, before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 to 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy.

Accommodation: Karanga camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – the Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry deserted terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side. After 3-4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and overnight as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away…

Accommodation: Barafu camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

At around midnight you will be awoken by your guide with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point, reaching the crater rim in about 5 – 7 hours. Another 1 – 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak 5,895 meter, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds around you. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain on African continent.

Accommodation: Mweka camp.

Meal Plan: Full Board.

A delicious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. You will be met at the gate and taken back to Key’s Hotel for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure and giving yourself a pat on the back for conquering the famous Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Key’s Hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.

After breakfast, you will be transferred on time to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively, you can extend your trip to Tanzania and go on safari or Zanzibar.

Accommodation: none. 7 Days Machame route.

Meal Plan: Breakfast