9 Days Kilimanjaro Group Tour - Machame route
Because this route has less loose scree (rocks) along the summit attempt path from Barafu camp, it makes it easier to reach the crater rim compared to the attempt from Kibo Hut. Hence, this is one of our most popular hiking routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 1- Arrival to Tanzania
Your tour starts at your accommodation in Arusha, located a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Should you require an airport transfer today, please let us know so that we can arrange this for you at an extra cost. Should you have some free time after your arrival there are several activities that the lodge can help arrange for you. In the evening you will meet your expedition guides for a briefing of your upcoming adventure. Together with the guides, you will check all equipment needed for the trek. Should you have forgotten anything important you can hire extra items from the guides. Take the time here to ask any questions you may have about the next 8 days in the mountains.
Meal Plan- No meals included today
Day 2- To Machame Camp (2980m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue driving 3 kilometres or walk to the Machame Gate (1490m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Machame Camp (2980) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 18 kilometres
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Local Lunch & Dinner
Day 3- To Shira Camp (3840m)
After early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Like the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 kilometres
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4- To Barranco camp (at 3950m)
Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower if the weather permits. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 1- Arrival to Tanzania
Your tour starts at your accommodation in Arusha, located a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Should you require an airport transfer today, please let us know so that we can arrange this for you at an extra cost. Should you have some free time after your arrival there are several activities that the lodge can help arrange for you. In the evening you will meet your expedition guides for a briefing of your upcoming adventure. Together with the guides, you will check all equipment needed for the trek. Should you have forgotten anything important you can hire extra items from the guides. Take the time here to ask any questions you may have about the next 8 days in the mountains.
Meal Plan- No meals included today
Day 2- To Machame Camp (2980m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue driving 3 kilometres or walk to the Machame Gate (1490m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Machame Camp (2980) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 18 kilometres
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Local Lunch & Dinner
Day 3- To Shira Camp (3840m)
After early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Like the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 kilometres
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4- To Barranco camp (at 3950m)
Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower if the weather permits. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5- To Karanga Camp (3950m)
After early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimidating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6- To Barafu Camp (4550m)
Following breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp (3995m). The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks, so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7- To the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Your guide will wake you up around 23:30 for a snack before you begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins, which takes about 3 hours.
At the camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
- Barafu camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
- Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
- Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres ascent and 23 kilometres descent
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 8- Mweka Gate (1980m) & To Arusha
Your last day on the trails will be very enjoyable and relaxed, through lush tropical rainforest. After 3 hours of descent, you will reach Mweka Gate where you will have your final meal with your expedition crew and fellow hikers. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates and a well-earned tip for the crew (information about tipping can be found in the practical information sheet that your Travel Consultant will share with you), hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometres). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres
- Habitat: Forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 5- To Karanga Camp (3950m)
After early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimidating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6- To Barafu Camp (4550m)
Following breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp (3995m). The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks, so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7- To the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Your guide will wake you up around 23:30 for a snack before you begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins, which takes about 3 hours.
At the camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
- Barafu camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
- Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
- Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres ascent and 23 kilometres descent
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 8- Mweka Gate (1980m) & To Arusha
Your last day on the trails will be very enjoyable and relaxed, through lush tropical rainforest. After 3 hours of descent, you will reach Mweka Gate where you will have your final meal with your expedition crew and fellow hikers. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates and a well-earned tip for the crew (information about tipping can be found in the practical information sheet that your Travel Consultant will share with you), hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometres). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 15 kilometres
- Habitat: Forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 9- End of tour and departure
Depending on the time your flight departs today, there may be some time to enjoy the pool, have a massage or take a yoga class. All the activities you plan for today are at your own expense. If you need an airport transfer, please let us know at the time of your booking so this can be arranged for you at an additional cost.
Meal Plan- Breakfast
Tour Package Includes:
- Transfer from Arusha to the Mountain’s gates and back
- English speaking certified mountain guide
- Personal cook for the group
- All food and catering equipment
- Certificate of Achievement
- Park fees, Hut fees, Ranger fees and Rescue Fees
- Porter to carry provisions and client’s private bags (no more than 15 KG per person)
- Full board during your days on the mountain, breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Purified water during the trekking (treated by guides or participants)
- Mess tent, tables, chairs and stools
- 2 nights on bed and breakfast at Planet lodge in Arusha
Excludes:
- Airport transfers at US$ 100 per way per vehicle (maximum 7 persons)
- Personal Mountain Equipment, sleeping bag below -40 degrees
- Oxygen and mobile toilet
- Hard and soft drinks
- Luggage insurance
- Evacuation insurance
- All expenses of personal nature
- Excess luggage (more than 15 KG per person)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Government tax or park fees increase
- Tipping – ask your Travel Consultant for guidance
- Easter & Christmas supplements
Day 9- End of tour and departure
Depending on the time your flight departs today, there may be some time to enjoy the pool, have a massage or take a yoga class. All the activities you plan for today are at your own expense. If you need an airport transfer, please let us know at the time of your booking so this can be arranged for you at an additional cost.
Meal Plan- Breakfast
Tour Package Includes:
- Transfer from Arusha to the Mountain’s gates and back
- English speaking certified mountain guide
- Personal cook for the group
- All food and catering equipment
- Certificate of Achievement
- Park fees, Hut fees, Ranger fees and Rescue Fees
- Porter to carry provisions and client’s private bags (no more than 15 KG per person)
- Full board during your days on the mountain, breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Purified water during the trekking (treated by guides or participants)
- Mess tent, tables, chairs and stools
- 2 nights on bed and breakfast at Planet lodge in Arusha
Excludes:
- Airport transfers at US$ 100 per way per vehicle (maximum 7 persons)
- Personal Mountain Equipment, sleeping bag below -40 degrees
- Oxygen and mobile toilet
- Hard and soft drinks
- Luggage insurance
- Evacuation insurance
- All expenses of personal nature
- Excess luggage (more than 15 KG per person)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Government tax or park fees increase
- Tipping – ask your Travel Consultant for guidance
- Easter & Christmas supplements
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