Kilimanjaro climbing via the Machame Route

We leave the rainforest behind and enter the drier heather and moorland zone. The scenery changes dramatically: the forest gives way to scattered shrubs, heather, giant senecios, and lobelias. The trail ascends across lava boulders and rocky ridges before reaching the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava field overlooking Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The air feels thinner, the landscape open and treeless, and the sky seems closer. Distance: 5 km. Hiking time: 5 hours. Overnight altitude: 3,850 m.

Today follows the principle of "climb high, sleep low." We ascend into the alpine desert zone, where vegetation almost disappears and the trail leads across ash and lava slopes to the Lava Tower (4,600 m), a striking volcanic rock rising about 300 meters high. After a short rest, we descend to Barranco Camp. Here the route passes through a surreal forest of giant senecios, giving the landscape an otherworldly feel. Distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 6 hours. Overnight altitude: 3,900 m.

The day begins with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall. From the top, the views stretch over the Kibo glaciers and the Karanga Valley. We then enter the high alpine desert, dominated by wind, rock, and icy air. Overnight at Barafu Camp, set on an exposed ridge with a direct view of the summit. Distance: 9 km. Hiking time: 8 hours. Overnight altitude: 4,673 m. This is a long and demanding day, which can be split into two days if preferred, but the decision must be made before the trek begins.

We set out at night. In complete darkness and silence, we climb the loose volcanic slope under a starry sky, between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Sunrise greets us at Stella Point on the crater rim, and one hour later we reach the long-awaited Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos and a short rest, we begin the long descent. The day ends at Mweka Camp, surrounded by greenery and warmth. Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down. Hiking time: 7 hours up, 6 hours down.

The final day is a pleasant descent along a trail leading into lush tropical forest. The air becomes warm and humid again, filled with the fragrance of vegetation, and the calls of birds and monkeys echo through the trees. Vines drape from moss-covered trunks, and flowering shrubs appear along the way. This section completes the journey through all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones. At Mweka Gate, climbers receive summit certificates before returning to the hotel in Moshi. Hiking time: 4 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Airport transfer at any time during the day. Hotel check-out is at 11:00. If your flight is in the evening, we can arrange a visit to a natural hot spring (not included in the tour price). Participants who booked the optional 2-day extension will depart today for a safari in Tarangire National Park, followed the next day by a visit to Ngorongoro National Park.