Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

Overnight flight to Kilimanjaro

Arrive in the morning at Kilimanjaro Airport where you will be met by a Far & Wild representative and driven to Arumeru Lodge, which has views of Kilimanjaro. Spend the day relaxing before embarking on your trek up Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Arumeru Lodge.

After an early breakfast head out to Kilimanjaro National Park and Machame Gate. The trek starts in the dense rainforests of the lower slopes and the trail winds it's way up along a ridge to Machame Camp where you will camp for the night.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau where we pass through heather and open moorlands. Then cross a large river gorge to Shira Camp

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

The trail continues to the east up a ridge and then you will head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at almost the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then you climb the non-technical but steep cliff, which is nearly 900 ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall you cross a series of hills and valleys until descending sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads takes you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day in order to acclimatize.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

In the morning leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut where you will see clear views of the summit. You will camp here and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from the camp.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

At midnight you will begin your push 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. 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 arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and 'the roof of Africa'

After a short time to take photographs and enjoy the incredible view you will start to descend by 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 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.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

On the last day continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to Arumeru Lodge.

After freshening up enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at Arumeru Lodge.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Spend the day at Arumeru Lodge and relax in their beautiful gardens and enjoy the swimming pool. In the late afternoon you will be escorted to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight home.