Mt. Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Meet your trekking guide for a group briefing and comprehensive gear check. The rest of the day is free to explore Moshi and take care of any last-minute shopping or gear rentals.

Depart Moshi for Machame Gate to complete park entry formalities before beginning the trek to Machame Camp through dense rainforest. The Machame Route winds through lush, often overgrown trail with rich flora and wildlife.

Leave camp and climb out of the rainforest onto the Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens and vegetation becomes more sparse. The trail crosses streams, a river gorge, and rolling moorland, with intermittent views of Kilimanjaro along the way. After a final descent, arrive at Shira Camp, set on the plateau with views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge toward Kibo before turning southeast to the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Stop here for a hot lunch and time to acclimatize before descending to Barranco Camp. Although you finish the day at a similar elevation to where you began, this day is key for acclimatization and helps prepare your body for summit.

After breakfast, leave camp and follow a steep ridge toward the Karanga Valley, passing the famous Barranco Wall. The early ascent of the Wall can look intimidating from below, but the climb is manageable, with well-worn paths and guidance from your trekking team. Many hikers find it a fun and rewarding change of pace. After reaching the top, descend slightly before a series of gentle ascents as you make your way to Karanga Camp.

This morning, leave Karanga Camp and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail before ascending to Barafu Camp. Having completed the South Circuit, enjoy changing views of the summit along the way. At this altitude and exposure, temperatures drop noticeably, and there are clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive in the afternoon to rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit night.

Very early in the morning, begin the summit push, climbing steadily through switchbacks between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Stella Point at sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest.

After breakfast, continue the descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Enjoy a final walk on the mountain, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. Expect wet and muddy trail conditions as you exit the park.

Departure for airport for international flight home or add-on safari.