9-day trip: Mount Kilimanjaro's Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania!

Land at Kilimanjaro Airport near Arusha, where a representative will greet you and drop you off at your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival into Tanzania, you can decide for yourself whether you'd like to receive a short safari briefing with your guide on the same day or the following morning.

The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure. Enjoy the hotel and relax - you'll have plenty of fun activities ahead!

Arusha - Machame Gate - Machame Route

Day 2: Begin your trek down the Machame Route

Today you will be transferred from Arusha to the Machame gate, where your trek along the iconic Machame Route begins.

The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park stuns with its diverse wildlife, and is home to the tallest summit in Africa. After completing the necessary registration formalities, you'll begin your climb, following a ridge through a dense mountain forest. Traverse the richest forested area on the mountain, from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful.

Shira Plateau

Day 3: Easy trekking & sensational views

To help you acclimatize, you'll have an easy day of trekking, with a total walking time of four to five hours. Take time to explore the volcanic rock formations of the Shira Plateau, and walk to the summit of the Shira Cathedral before reaching your next campsite. There, you'll get to soak up stunning views, as you'll be sleeping close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mount Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable.

Western Breach

Day 4: Take a scenic walk on lava ridges

Continue your trekking adventure with a morning of gentle ascents and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.

After lunch near the Lava Tower junction, you'll descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. After five to seven hours of walking, you'll spend the night camping with more breath-taking views all around you.

Barranco Wall

Day 5: Soak up views of the Southern Icefields

Today, you can expect four to five hours of walking as you continue your trek. A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads you to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and you'll only need to cover a short distance before arriving at your campsite in Karanga - the last water point on the way to the summit.

Barafu Camp

Day 6: Wide-reaching views on a relentless climb

On today's portion of your trek, you'll walk for about three to five hours in total, following an easy path on compacted scree. Soak up the wide views as you gain altitude unrelentingly, eventually reaching the Barafu campsite for lunch. You'll take a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the Southeast Valley. The remainder of the day will then be spent resting, in preparation for your final ascent.

Stella Point - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp

Day 7: A final ascent to meet the sunrise

Today, you will start your ascent by torchlight at about 1am, in order to be up on the crater rim by sunrise.

The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow yet steady pace will take you to Stella Point in about five or six hours. You will have the chance to rest there for a short time, enjoying the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can take the two-hour round-trip hike from there, along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after pausing for some refreshments, you'll finally reach your last campsite. Today's walking will span around 11-15 hours, so be sure to take plenty of time to rest afterwards.

Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate - Arusha

Day 8: Journey back to Arusha

Today is your last day on the mountain as you trek down back into the warmer rainforest climate. You will be given your certificates, then you’ll be met by a representative guide for a transfer back to Arusha.

Well done on completing this challenging hike! A well-deserved afternoon of rest and relaxation is on the menu, as you spend the time making the most of your accommodation's facilities.

Arusha - Kilimanjaro Airport

Day 9: Goodbye, Tanzania!

Today marks the end of your Tanzanian trekking adventure. Though not for the faint-hearted, this experience will be sure to leave you with long-lasting memories. At a suitable time, check out of your accommodation and transfer back to the airport for your onward flight home.