Kilimanjaro The Ultimate Machame Journey

Walking distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Walking time: 5–7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,180 m / 3,875 ft

After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for Machame Village to collect lunch boxes and begin the trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame Gate) at 1,800 m / 5,905 ft, you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense rainforest before breaking out onto a steep ridge. This route is often muddy and slippery at lower elevations.

As you continue your ascent, you will notice that the tropical forest gradually gives way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking along a ridge, with the left side overlooking the Semira Stream and the right side offering views toward the Weru Weru River. Depending on the climbers' pace, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up on the edge of the forest zone. This camp is used for dinner and overnight. There is little need to rush on this day, as the focus is on gradual acclimatisation. Do not try to keep up with the porters, who are usually far ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the Afro-montane forest. Dinner and Overnight at Machame Camp. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Walking time: 4–6 hours
Altitude gain: 860 m / 2,820 ft

On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak.

Today's trek takes you up a steep track through giant groundsel, through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Your guide will set the pace for the group, deciding when to take short breaks and the best spots to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee. Upon arrival at Shira Cave Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch and can rest for a few hours before embarking on a short acclimatisation hike. Later, you will settle in for the night at this camp. Dinner and Overnight: Shira Cave Camp. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 7–8 hours
Altitude gain: 790 m / 2,590 ft (Shira Camp → Lava Tower)

The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). On the way, your guide will choose good spots for the group to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, and nuts (cashews or groundnuts).

At Lava Tower, you will stop for a hot lunch before beginning the descent towards Barranco Camp, crossing the Bastain Stream along the way. You will pass numerous waterfalls, fed by streams from the mountain that converge here to form the Umbwe River.

Barranco Camp is set at almost the same altitude as the previous night. Today is a full-day trek, and you may feel quite tired. Arrival at camp is usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Dinner and Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 310m / 1016 ft

Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, ensuring everyone ascends safely. At the top of the Barranco Wall, approximately 4,260 m / 13,976 ft, you will take a break to pause, take photos, drink water, and enjoy some bites before continuing the trek.

Once over the Barranco Wall, the trail gradually leads across the alpine desert toward Karanga Valley. On the way, your guide may also choose spots for short breaks with biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, or nuts.

Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch. After lunch, you can rest or take a short hike for further acclimatisation while enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks. Dinner and Overnight: Karanga Camp 

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 665 m / 2,180 ft

The scenic climb to Barafu Camp is mostly along a moraine and lava ridge, with Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seemingly just out of reach overhead.

The alpine desert terrain here is mostly mineral, with few lichens and mosses.
On the way, your guide will choose good spots for short breaks to enjoy bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee, allowing everyone to rest and take in the views.

Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, an early lunch will be served before 1:00 PM. In the afternoon, there is a summit clothing check. Dinner will be served early, around 5:00 PM, as climbers who plan to ascend to the summit will go to bed soon afterwards, preparing for the longest and most challenging day ahead. Dinner and Overnight: Barafu Camp. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 16–18 km / 10–11 miles 
(depending on descent route)
Walking time: 13–17 hours total
Altitude gain: 1,195 m / 3,921 ft (Barafu → Uhuru Peak).

You will wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, and your climb will begin at approximately 12:00 AM. This is the most challenging portion of the trek, so climbers should carry as little as possible. 
Temperatures can range from - 4°C to 5°C / 25°F to 41°F.

The climb to Stella Point (5,730 m / 18,800 ft) takes about six hours. From there, it is roughly another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on the African continent. The track around the crater rim is rocky and often icy, so it is essential to concentrate on your footing and follow your guide closely.

The descent is equally demanding. You will return to Barafu Camp after about three hours, arriving around 11:30 AM, where you can rest and have refreshments.

From Barafu, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) for the night, arriving around 5:00 PM. Today’s trek covers a total of 13–17 hours of walking. Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Camp. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Descent: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft

On the final day of the journey, climbers will descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate. The descent takes you through lush rainforest, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. The trek to the gate usually takes about 4–5 hours, and climbers typically arrive before noon.

Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate celebrating your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After the celebration, you will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot showers, a relaxing dinner, and overnight rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

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Meal Plan: Breakfast