8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour – Machame Route

Day 1: Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. There, you will receive a short briefing about the climb, and we will check your gear to ensure everything is ready for the ascent.

Day 2: Arusha to Machame Hut Camp (10,000 ft)

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from the hotel and drive for an hour to Machame Gate for registration. You’ll meet the rest of the team, including cooks and porters, and begin the climb through the rainforest and giant heathers. After about six hours, we’ll reach Machame Hut Camp for your first overnight stay.

Day 3: Machame Hut Camp to Shira Camp (12,480 ft)

This day’s hike is shorter but steeper, with rocky and dusty trails. It’s a slow ascent, allowing plenty of time for breaks and acclimatization. As you cross several ridges, you’ll also catch sight of the first of many giant senecios.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)

Today begins with a climb over boulders followed by a steady uphill trek to Lava Tower, where we’ll stop for lunch. For those interested, there’s an option to climb the Lava Tower at 14,850 ft, though altitude effects may start to be felt. After lunch, we’ll descend through dusty, rocky paths to Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (13,450 ft)

We start the day by scrambling up the Barranco Wall for about 1.5 hours. This section is steep, requiring the use of hands for support, though it isn’t as intense as traditional rock climbing. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Barranco Valley. The hike continues through lush valleys, marking the last water point on the mountain.

Day 6: Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Hut Camp (14,200 ft)

A short but steep uphill hike across a barren, rocky landscape awaits. You’ll pass by the stunning Decken Glaciers before climbing up a ridge to a rocky section that requires some scrambling. Our camp will be situated on large rocks with steep cliffs. We’ll rest early tonight, as the summit attempt begins at 11:00 pm.

Day 7: Summit Day and Descent to Mweka Hut (10,500 ft)

At midnight, we begin our final push toward the summit. After an hour of steep climbing, we’ll reach snow-covered ground, with glaciers in view. If it’s a clear night, you may not even need your headlamp, as the moon will light the way. After two hours, we’ll reach Stella Point, navigating loose, sandy lava fields that present both a rewarding and challenging experience.

After a short rest at Stella Point, we’ll continue to Uhuru Peak (19,370 ft) as the sun rises over Mawenzi. Around 6-7 am, we’ll reach the summit and begin our steep descent back to Barafu Hut Camp, then continue down to Mweka Hut for the night.

Day 8: Descent and Return to Arusha

Our final day involves a 4-5 hour descent to the park gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. After lunch and farewells to the mountain crew, we’ll drive back to Arusha, passing through scenic coffee plantations and Chaga villages. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a relaxing swim, a hot shower, and celebrate your incredible achievement.