8-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

After breakfast in Moshi, drive to Machame Gate, where you will complete registration and park entry procedures. Meet your mountain crew and begin your Kilimanjaro adventure.

The trail climbs through the lush montane rainforest. The shaded forest environment, towering vegetation and abundant birdlife create a beautiful introduction to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Continue at a comfortable pace toward Machame Camp. Once at camp, enjoy dinner and settle in for your first night on the mountain.

After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into the heath and moorland zone.

The trail becomes more open as you gain altitude, with increasingly impressive views toward the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Continue toward Shira Camp, located on the spectacular Shira Plateau. Enjoy the changing landscape before dinner and overnight at camp.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization on the spectacular Shira Plateau. Instead of making a long point-to-point trek, you will enjoy a shorter acclimatization hike around the plateau.

The exact walking programme can be adjusted by your mountain guide according to weather, trail conditions and how the group is responding to altitude.

Take time to appreciate the enormous volcanic landscape, views toward Kibo and the unique high-altitude environment of Shira.

Leave the Shira Plateau and continue eastward toward the high alpine desert surrounding the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.

The trail climbs toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,630 metres. This is an important acclimatization section of the trek.

After spending time at altitude, descend toward Barranco Camp. The descent is an important part of the classic climb-high, sleep-low strategy.

As you approach Barranco, the dramatic Great Barranco landscape provides some of the most impressive scenery of the entire route.

After breakfast, begin the spectacular ascent of the Barranco Wall. Although impressive from below, the route involves trekking and scrambling rather than technical rock climbing.

Your experienced mountain guides will help you navigate the most interesting sections while maintaining a comfortable pace.

After crossing the wall, continue through the valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp.

Karanga provides another opportunity to rest and recover before the final approach to Barafu Camp.

Today you climb toward Barafu Camp, the high camp from which the summit attempt begins.

The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the alpine desert zone. The trail is relatively short, but the altitude makes the climb demanding.

Arrive at Barafu and have an early meal before resting. Your guides will provide a detailed summit briefing and check that you are prepared for the night ascent.

Try to sleep early because the summit attempt normally begins around midnight.

Wake around midnight and begin the most demanding part of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. The ascent begins slowly over steep volcanic terrain toward the crater rim.

Your guide will maintain a very slow and controlled pace as you climb toward Stella Point.

From Stella Point, continue around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.

Take time to celebrate your achievement and photograph the extraordinary summit environment before beginning the descent.

Descend through Barafu Camp and continue toward Millennium Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Enjoy breakfast at Millennium Camp before beginning the final descent through the lush Kilimanjaro rainforest.

As you lose altitude, the vegetation becomes increasingly green and tropical. Continue toward Mweka Gate at the southern base of the mountain.

At the gate, complete the park exit procedures and collect your Kilimanjaro summit certificate where applicable.

Meet your private KCTE vehicle and transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower, relaxation and celebration after your Kilimanjaro achievement.