Day 1: Arrival in Moshi, Hotel transfer
This Machame Kilimanjaro Hiking Package starts with collection from the Kilimanjaro International Airport, located between the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions in Northern Tanzania. From the airport, you are transferred to the Keys Hotel in Moshi, situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
On day one, you will be briefed on the Kilimanjaro Trek, with the remainder of the day free for you to enjoy as you choose, relaxing at the hotel or exploring Moshi. Moshi is a quiet town surrounded by coffee plantations and other crops in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)
Today you will be collected from the hotel in Moshi after breakfast and driven to a nearby entrance of the Kilimanjaro National Park. At the park entrance, you get a glimpse into the preparations required for this hike up Kilimanjaro as you watch the mountain team getting ready for the Machame climb – an impressive feat.
Once your guide has completed the necessary entrance requirements, you proceed into Kilimanjaro National Park for your Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure. First, we head into the mountain forests covering the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and are soon surrounded by the ancient rainforest. Walking on, we listen to the sounds of the wild animals and birds inhabiting the forest as we encounter towering trees, primordial ferns, lichen, and carpets of moss draping the trees and forest floor. Walking through this ancient habitat, we keep our eyes and ears open for black and white colobus monkeys found in the treetops.
Our 5 – 6 hour walk brings us to our first overnight stop, Machame Camp, located just above the tree line at the base of Kilimanjaro. After our first day of hiking, we enjoyed dinner and rest at Machame Camp, situated at 3000m. Machame Gate (1790m). Machame Camp (3010m). Total ascent: 1220m. Total hiking time: 5-6 hours. A long first stage that offers a beautiful climb through the mountain forest.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) – New Shira Camp (3845m)
We leave Machame Camp early in the morning hiking up the steepening path through moors and heathlands. Here the vegetation opens up providing us with magnificent views over the surrounding landscapes and dramatic mountain range. On day three our walk is shorter bringing us to our next campsite by mid-afternoon. The camp is located at the Shira Plateau offering a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro mountain. At the end of the day, the rock faces, and the glacier of Kibo take on a warm glow like the sunsets. Machame Camp (3010m). Shira Camp (3845m). Total ascent: 900m. Total hiking time: 4-6 hours. Shorter than the previous day, today affords wonderful views of the Shira Ridge and the Kobos mountain range.
Day 4: New Shira Camp(3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
Our trek for the day begins with a long climb from the Shira Plateau towards the Lava Tower Hut lying at 4640m. We will ascend around 700m on day four camping at a slightly higher elevation than the night before. This gives your body time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude as we hike up Kilimanjaro to more than 4500m high over the next two days. As we continue the vegetation thins out and the terrain becomes an afro-alpine desert. The Machame Trek passes through Barranco Valley, an expansive area where giant Senecio and lobelia plants grow. After 6 – 7 hours of hiking, we arrive at the overnight Barranco Camp where we have a well-deserved meal and a rest. Shira Camp (3845m). Barranco Camp (3960m). Total ascent: 800m. Total descent: 680m.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
Today’s hike starts with the challenging climb of the “Barranco Wall,” a stretch where you will be secured to ensure your safety when necessary. We follow the ridge as it stretches above the south glacier of Kibo, admiring the views. We stop for lunch in In the Karanga Valley and prepare for the 2 – 3 hrs trek to Barafu Camp (4640m). At camp, there is time for you to relax and have dinner, resting before we embark on the next stretch of our climb up Kilimanjaro. Barranco Camp (3960m). Barafu Camp (4640m). Total ascent: 680m. Total descent: 50m. Total hiking: 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
The next leg of the Machame Hike starts at midnight, with a hot tea and light snack before we set off into the darkness. We hike up the screes of Kibo by torchlight on this exhilarating stretch. A 5 – 7 hour ascent through the night brings us to Stella Point, on the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a further 1 – 2 hrs of climbing along the edge of the crater, we reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at a mighty 5895m. Having hiked to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro, you will be standing at the top of Africa’s highest mountain!
Reveling in your achievement from the lofty summit of Africa’s Kilimanjaro, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes and the sweeping landscapes below. Here you get to bask in the glory of this magnificent setting and the empowering experience of reaching the “Roof of Africa” on your own two feet. Next, we follow a simple route down Kilimanjaro descending along a similar path. Before midday, we arrive back at Barafu Camp, where the rest of the climbing team welcomes you with a warm meal upon your return. Following a much-deserved break of 1 – 2 hrs, we proceed to Mweka Camp at 3080m. In the evening, we have dinner and enjoy a hard-earned rest. Barafu Camp (4640m). Uhuru Peak (5895m). Mweka Camp (3080m). Total ascent: 1250m. Total descent: 2810m. Total hiking: 10-14 hours. Very steep, long, and cold climb to Stella Point. Spectacular panoramic views of the crater ridge and the summit. Relatively steep and long descent with the altitude playing a major role.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Moshi
After breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain guides, we set off on the last leg of this unforgettable hiking adventure. A gentle 2 -3 hrs descent takes us through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, at the base of Kilimanjaro.
Our driver meets you at the gate and takes you back to the Keys Hotel in Moshi for some comfortable rest and relaxation. Relax at the hotel soothing your aching muscles in the swimming pool or taking a nap as you recollect your adventure to the “Roof of Africa.” Mweka Camp (3080m). Mweka Gate (1630m). Total descent: 1450m. Total hiking 2-3 hours through a luscious rainforest.
Day 8: Moshi – Additional Services
On day eight, you have a hearty breakfast at the hotel before continuing your travels or taking a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. This brings your memorable Kilimanjaro Hike via Machame to a close.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
1. Check our African Safari page for a multitude of options for different trip options.
