From Arusha in Tanzania: 6 Days Group Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): (3,000 m): 5-. 6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.

Distance: 11 km.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Montane Forest.

Overnight: Machame Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start with a scenic drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate taking about 50 minutes, passing via the villages of Machame on the lower slopes. From the Machame gate of Kilimanjaro, you start your climbing tour along a winding trail that leads through the lush rainforest and up a ridge. The ascent can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so using gaiters and trekking poles is most important for you. After a short Kilimanjaro trek from Machame gate, you will arrive at Machame Camp.

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.

Distance: 9 km.

Walking Time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland

Overnight: Shira Cave Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will leave the lush glades of the Kilimanjaro rainforest and follow a steadily Kilimanjaro climbing trail, crossing a valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro then veers westward into a river gorge, leading you to the Shira Cave Camp point.

Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: (3,950 m.) 12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.

Distance: 15 km.

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You enjoy a continuous climb with panoramic views as you cross the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After passing via the Lava Tower Camp and the final section of the Western Breach, you’ll stop for a lunch at the base of the Lava Tower (4,600 m). After lunch, you’ll proceed with descending into the Barranco Valley, reaching an elevation of 3,950 meters at Barranco Camp.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 9km/

Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will climb proceeding from Barranco Camp and ascending the steep Barranco Wall at (elevation 4,250m/13,900ft), then pass through the Karanga Camp (4,050m/13,250ft) on your trail to the junction that links with the descending Mweka Route. From there, the trip continues uphill to Barafu Camp marking the completion of the scenic Southern Circuit, which offer a panoramic views of the Uhuru Peak from various angles of the mountain. You will set up camp here, with the summit visible in the distance.

Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 6km up / 13km down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the mid-night times usually from 2 a.m., you’ll begin your final summit push toward the summit, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The ascent takes you from northwest, climbing through steep scree to reach Stella Point near the crater rim. This part is the most physically and mentally demanding of the whole trail. Upon arrival at Stella Point, you’ll take a brief rest and be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise. Then climbing at a faster pace may make you even witness the sunrise from the Uhuru Peak trail itself. From the Stella Point, the final hour-long push to the Uhuru Peak summit may include snowy conditions depending the weather. Reaching at the Uhuru Peak summit marks your arrival at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro! From the Uhuru Peak summit, your climbing down begins straight down to the Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu Camp for lunch. Kilimanjaro trekking poles and gaiters are helpful for circulating the loose gravel on the way down descend. You’ll end the trail at Mweka Camp after stopping at Barafu Camp for rest, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Overnight: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water

Begin your final trail to the Mweka Gate - Kilimanjaro, where you will be awarded your summit certificates. The trail can be muddy and wet at lower altitudes of Kilimanjaro, so gaiters and trekking poles are mostly recommended. Lightweight clothing such as shorts and T-shirts should be most sufficient, though it’s wise to keep rain gear and warmer layers within your reach. Our best vehicle will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your home flight departure.