Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

After breakfast from the hotel, we will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate. After completing the registration you will start the hike to Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast at the camp we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the towards the Lava Tower. As we proceed, our course shifts to the south-east, towards the Lava Tower, many call it "Shark's Tooth" (elev 4650m/15,250ft). We reach the second junction shortly after the tower, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We're presently heading down to the Barranco Camp. Although you finish the day at roughly the same elevation as you started, this day is critical for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We will still hike higher and return to the Karanga Valley as that is how the acclimatization day is spent.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today we continue up to the Barafu Camp. You've completed the South Circuit, which provides views of the Kibo peak from many different angles. We set up a camp for dinner and overnight here, with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3- 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we begin our hike to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa 5895m/ 19340ft.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp (10,100 ft) is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Mweka Camp (10,100 ft) for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

After breakfast, we head down to Mweka Gate with a lunch packet; you will receive your summit certificates, where a vehicle waiting will take you to your hotel in Arusha which will take 2 hours drive.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

Today after breakfast your transfer driver will pick you up and drive to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight, Breakfast.