The ascent of Kilimanjaro can be done from six routes: Mweka, Umbwe, Shira, Rongai, Machame, and the marangu Route which is the easier and the most popular. Depending on which route one wants to use, the climb of Kilimanjaro can take between four nights to six nights on the mountain. The two most popular routes are Marangu and Machame.

Northern Circuit Safaris

 »

Ngorongoro/Tarangire

»

»

»

»

Find More safari packages »

Zanzibar holiday

»

Mountain Climbing

»

The Machame route approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the southwest and joins the Shira route before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. The rain forest is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of wilderness once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. We make our final ascent by the Barafu route. The seven day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatization, and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery. 

Day 01: Machame camp 3000m.
The climb starts from Machame Gate, after a short walk through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. This is the richest forest area on the mountain and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days and especially in dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful. We have lunch at ‘Halfway clearing’ a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut 3000m. We may get our first close look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. (4 hours walking).
Day 02: Shira cave camp 3700m.
A shorter day that begins by climbing up to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Cave 3700m which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-5 hours walking).
Day 03: Barranco camp 3900m.
A morning of gentle ascent, 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, we hike to Lava Tower 4600m and descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley 3900m sheltered by Towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. (6-7 hours walking).
Day 04: Karanga camp 3930m.
A step climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga 3930m the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley above the camp. (4-5 hours walking).
Day 05: Barafu camp 4600m.
A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views. We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu campsite 4600m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night. (3 hours walking).
Day 06: Summit 5895m & Descend to Mweka camp 3000m.
We will start our ascent by torch-light or headlamp at about 11pm -12midnight, so that we can be up on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point 5780m in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi peak. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak 5895m, 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 some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite 3000m at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15) hours walking) The glowing sunrise behind the Mawenzi Peak 5149m can be seen from Stella Point 5780m on the crater rim.

Day 07: Walk out descend to Mweka gate 1680m & drive to Arusha
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka, (3-4 hours walking). We sign off the mountain before saying goodbye to our climbing crews and ready to pick a car and drive to the Hotel at Arusha town for a hot shower,lunch and short rest. Early dinner before a transfer to the airport to fly back home.

to Nairobi or to your next safari  destination

Per person  

1-pax             =1500,          

2-pax             =1452,                     

3-Pax             =1305,                                            

4-Pax             =1210,                     

5-Pax             =1107

Cost includes:2 nights accommodation at a hotel in Arusha on half board, All park fees, Hut fees, Rescue fees, All food on the climb Guides and porters’ salary, Airport transfers

Cost excludes:Expenses of a personal nature like drinks,     tobacco etc, Tips and porterage, Any extras incurred at the lodges/hotels, Any visa fees.