8-Day Itinerary to Mount Kilimanjaro Climb through Machame Route

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our representative of Tanzania Dreams who will transfer to your booked lodge for final brief about your climb. The rest of the day can be spent by relaxing at the lodge or exploring the town of Moshi. You will have your briefing in preparation for your upcoming trek in the early evening, followed by dinner and your overnight stay. Clients that will need to rent climbing equipment will be driven by our driver to a local renting store to get all the necessary equipment they don’t have

After breakfast you will be taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide takes care of the registration forms, you can take the time to explore the surrounding area, read the information boards and watch the mountain crew prepare for the climb. Embarking on your trekking adventure, you will soon be immersed in the cool rainforest with lush green mosh and lichen carpeting the ground and tall trees and ferns sheltering you from the sun. In the branches you might spot the black and white colobus monkeys watching you curiously as you walk past. In about 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the Machame Camp, situated 3,010 m where you will enjoy your evening meal and overnight stay in tents.

You will continue with your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the moorland and heathland. On your way to New Shira Camp (3,850 m), you will enjoy spectacular views of the mountain range. In the mid-afternoon you will finally reach your destination where you can enjoy a view of the sun glistening against the rock face and glacier of Kibo. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

A 700 m climb is on the agenda for today, with your final destination only slightly higher than the night before. This will allow your body to become accustomed to the altitude changes, as a height of over 3,950 m will be reached over the following days. Your trek begins with an ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,600 m). The surrounding vegetation becomes more sporadic as the landscape changes to an alpine desert. The route stretches through the sweeping Barranco Valley, with its lobelia and giant senecio plants, and in approximately 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp (3,950m), the most beautiful camp on the mountain. Dinner and overnight.

Today you will climb the “Barranco Wall”, where a steady hold will be needed. Luckily a helping hand is never far behind and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. You will make your way across the ridge, whilst enjoying wonderful views of the Kibo’s south glacier. In the Karanga Valley you will stop for lunch, before embarking on another 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,672 m). At the camp you will enjoy a well-deserved break, evening meal and an early night.

At around midnight, you will be awoken with a hot tea and light snacks before you start your climb to Uhuru Peak. Ascending in the dark, with only a headlight to shine the way, you will climb the screes of Kibo, reaching Stella Point (5,756) in about 5 to 7 hours. Walking along the crater ridge you will finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) high above the clouds, Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! On the “Roof of Africa” you will enjoy a 360° view over the surrounding landscape before starting your descent along the same route. Just before midday you will arrive at Barufu Camp, where you will have a warm meal and relax before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). Here you will have your evening meal and sleep with the sights of Mount Kilimanjaro still fresh in your mind.

The last day of your journey has arrived and after breakfast, accompanied by a traditional farewell ceremony, tipping, and saying goodbye to your mountain team, you will gently descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. On arrival you will receive summit certificates. Afterwards your driver takes you to Mweka village for a delicious victory lunch. After that continue to your booked lodge in Moshi for a hot shower, relax, dinner and overnight.

After a good breakfast and checkout, you will have the rest of the day to spend by relaxing and gathering energy after your long and challenging journey. Our driver will be waiting to take you to Kilimanjaro international airport according to your flight departure time.