Machame Route

Welcome to Tanzania! Our experienced guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Take time to relax and recover from your journey.

Pre-climb Preparation: Meet your climbing guide for a comprehensive briefing. Receive expert advice on what to wear, pack, and important tips to make your climb as comfortable and successful as possible. Equipment check and final preparations for tomorrow's adventure.

Your guide picks you up from the hotel and takes you to Machame Gate. The trail leads through coffee and banana plantations before entering the pristine, lush rainforest. This is your first day at altitude, so remember to drink plenty of water and maintain a steady pace.

Rainforest Experience: Enjoy the verdant rainforest with its diverse flora and fauna. Listen for the calls of colobus monkeys and watch for exotic birds as you make your way to Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area.

Begin with a steeper climb through the transition zone. Pass the famous "Picnic Rock" where you're rewarded with stunning views of Kibo peak and the Shira volcanic peak. The landscape transforms from forest to moorland with heather and alpine vegetation.

Optional Acclimatization: After reaching Shira Camp and having lunch, you can take an optional acclimatization walk towards the Lava Tower (2km to 4,630m altitude) to help your body adjust to the increasing elevation.

This is a crucial acclimatization day! Trek through many ascents and descents with amazing views to the beautiful Lava Tower. You'll have lunch here for 1-2 hours, allowing your body to acclimatize. You might feel uncomfortable with the altitude increase, which is normal.

Descent to Barranco: After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp. Watch for the strange-looking giant senecio plants that grow up to 5 meters high! Barranco Camp sits at the foot of the impressive Barranco Wall, your challenge for tomorrow.

After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall - a challenging but enjoyable scramble with spectacular views. Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo volcano to your left and distant Mount Meru to your right.

Final Base Camp: Continue through the alpine desert via Karanga Camp with many ascents and descents until you reach Barafu Camp - your final camp before the summit! Rest, eat a hot meal, and prepare mentally for tomorrow's summit attempt.

Midnight Start: Today is the day! Around midnight, begin your summit attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The trail follows good paths, and the most challenging aspect is the high altitude. Push yourself with determination and proper pacing.

Summit Success: Reach Uhuru Peak and enjoy the incredible sunrise from the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your ultimate triumph, take photos, and soak in the magnificent views before beginning the long descent to the scenic Millennium Camp in the tropical rainforest.

Wake up in the lush tropical rainforest with a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and immense satisfaction from reaching the summit. The oxygen-rich air feels refreshing after your high-altitude adventure.

Celebration & Certificates: After breakfast, take an easy walk through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate (park exit). Your driver will bring you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Receive your official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate to commemorate your achievement!

Enjoy your final day in Tanzania with time to rest, celebrate your achievement, shop for souvenirs, or explore the local area. Our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Extend Your Adventure: Still longing for more? Consider adding a few days of safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure for the complete Tanzania experience!