9-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport code: JRO you will welcomed by ANAPA representative who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day will be yours to do as you please; you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Arusha (Arusha City excursion). You will have a preliminary talk in preparation for your trek the following days. Dinner& Overnight at Outpost Lodge Arusha.

The drive from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes 2 Hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation (ft): 5,400 ft to 9,400 ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Elevation (ft): 9,400 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp 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.

Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent - 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At the gate, A vehicle will meet you and drive back to hotel in Arusha

Elevation (ft): 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, you can continue with your travel plans or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport.