Climbing the Roof of Africa

Highlights

This is probably the most beautiful route up to the top of the Kilimanjaro. The trek is strenuous but if you’re an adventurous hiker you will love it. The Machame Route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5 nights on the mountain.

Safari Highlights:

Stand on the roof of Africa’s highest mountain
Wildlife and beach extensions available

Day to day program

Day 1 >> Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport where you will be welcomed by a Great Lakes Safaris representative and transferred to your accommodation in Moshi.

Day 2 >> Moshi – Machame

In the morning you will be transferred to the Machame Gate to start your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather this can be a moderate to very demanding day, as the trek winds through a beautifully lush rain forest. Overnight in mountain tents at Machame Camp (3000 metres).

Day 3 >> Machame – Shira

An early start as you will leave the forest behind and climb a steep ridge for three to four hours. The path then drops into a gorgeaous river gorge before you climb more gently up onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau. On clear days the views are absolutely breathtaking: a smeelingly endless expanse of multi-coloured heath to the gargantuan rim at the end of the plateau. Overnight in mountain tents at Shira Camp (3840 metres).

Day 4 >> Shira – Barranco

Today expect to walk for five to six hours across the Shira Plateau, with little elevation although there are ups and downs throughout the day. We will enjoy sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight in mountain tents at Barranco Camp (3950 metres).

Day 5 >> Barranco – Barafu

A challenging day that includes about six to eight hours of trekking, up the Barranco Wall and then across ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100 metres) for lunch. In the afternoon we continue up to Barafu Camp. Overnight in mountain tents at Barafu Camp (4600 metres).

Day 6 >> Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka

Arise around midnight and after some tea and biscuits we will continue our ascend into the night. It’s an eight hour walk to Stella Point, on the crater rim, which is for most climbers the most challenging part of the route. At Stella Point (5658 metres) you will stop for a welcome rest and – weather permitting – one of the most magnificent sunrises you might ever see. From Stella Point we continue for another two hours to the final top, the Uhuru Peak at 5896 metres. A unique and emotional reward!

After sunrise we will start returning soon again and today’s journey is a long one. We will go back to Barafu Camp and then continue descending all the way down to Mweka Camp for overnight (3100 metres).

Day 7 >> Mweka – Kibololoni Gate – Moshi

After breakfast descend through the lower heath section that will turn into rainforest. In the afternoon you will arrive at Kibololoni Gate where you will be met by a Great Lakes Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

Day 8 >> Departure

Day at leisure to relax and unwind from this amazing experience. Depending on your flight schedule you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro Airport. Or stay a little longer to enjoy Tanzania’s amazing wildlife or tropical beaches.