Day 1
Arrive Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Arrive Arusha and transfer to your accommodation at Nagare Sero. This evening, you’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment check with your climbing guide.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, and the Machame route is one of the more popular and scenic routes to the summit. Although not technically difficult, the high altitude trekking makes this a challenging journey through remarkably diverse terrain. This route allows for climbing high and sleeping low for optimal acclimatization. A high level of fitness is required since the effects of altitude will make it much harder than a standard uphill hike.
Starting on the southern flanks of the mountain, the route winds through dense rainforest before traversing the immense Shira Plateau and on to Barafu Camp. Set against a backdrop of the southern icefields, you’ll ascend to the summit and experience the exhilaration of achievement at the very top of the continent of Africa. Descent is via the Mweka Route.
We have carefully crafted the itinerary to provide the necessary time for acclimatization by allowing for two short and relatively easy days at high elevation before the summit day. We offer a one guide to two client ratio, ensuring a safe and personal experience while monitoring your adjustment to high altitude throughout the ascent. Our camps offer three-person tents shared by two people, each equipped with a three inch mattress, cot, and a 0 F degree sleeping bag, pillow, and thermal liner. Chairs, a walk-in mess tent, and a private toilet tent offer additional comforts. Most importantly, we provide knowledgeable professional guides who go through bi-annual training. Our logistics team, at our base, monitors your trip from start to finish.
Welcome to Tanzania! Arrive Arusha and transfer to your accommodation at Nagare Sero. This evening, you’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment check with your climbing guide.
Drive from to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, and meet your climbing crew at the Machame Gate. The gently ascending trail winds through the rainforest that covers Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Birds of all species, as well as colobus and blue monkeys, are often seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather.
5,380 ft to 9,350 ft, 7 miles, approx. 5-7 hours
Leaving the rainforest behind, continue on an ascending trail along a steep ridge onto the open moorland. As the vegetation becomes more sparse, attractive helichrysum and lobelia dominate the landscape. Amazing views of lava tubes and glacial valleys spread before you. After a picnic lunch, continue up onto the vast Shira Plateau. From near camp, you can see the Western Breach with its massive glaciers and the snow-capped Kibo peaks.
9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, about 4-6 hours
Today is a long day but it’s great for acclimatization. You’ll ascend toward the main peak of Kibo, where the western glaciers become more visible. After a picnic lunch, if you are feeling strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon. You’ll encounter giant groundsels and lobelias forming a veritable garden of other-worldly plants. Camping in the Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest sites on the entire trail.
12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hours
Today is a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, but you have to get over the intimidating Barranco Wall first. A steep track leads up and over this imposing ridge and you might just have to use your hands. Once on top, its not so far to Karanga Camp and you should arrive by mid-afternoon. From camp, sunsets here are particularly spectacular, with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering nearly 3000 feet above camp.
13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
Today is another shorter day allowing you to fully acclimatize and rest up before your upcoming summit bid. The desolate, high alpine zone feels lunar in character and strong winds often blow right through this camp. When the clouds part, there are often exceptional views of Mawenzi Peak towering above. Dinner is served early to allow plenty of rest ahead of an early summit push.
13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hours
Depart high camp just after midnight for your summit push. Patience and a slow pace are key to reach the summit. Climbing through the darkness, this will be the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. As the first rays of light streak across the Tanzanian sky, you crest the rim at Stella Point, at 18,652 ft and are rewarded with a glorious sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point there is still some work to do to get to Uhuru Peak, the very Roof of Africa! After a celebration at the summit, begin the long trek down.
15,288 ft to 19,341 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7-8 hours ascent
Descent: Go slowly down the scree fields of the upper mountain and enjoy the verdant rainforest as you descend to Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be totally spent your sense of accomplishment will propel you onward.
19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 7 miles descent, 4-6 hours descent
After a final breakfast on the mountain, you’ll continue to descend through the thickening montane forest. Eventually, you’ll reach Mweka gate, where you’ll bid farewell to your climbing crew, and transfer back to your hotel for a hard-earned shower and a dinner celebration!
12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
Today is your last day in Arusha. You can spend the day doing a bit of curio shopping and getting prepped for your international departure home, or getting ready for extended adventures in Africa.
These are the accommodations available for this trip. Please call and see which one is best for your style of travel.
Price discounts may apply for additional guests, please give us a call
