Group Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route
Duration
From
Imagine yourself at the summit of East Africa, the first light of day painting the roof of Kilimanjaro gold and pink, as you reach, breathless yet lifted by emotion, the famous Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Surrounded by ancient glaciers, suspended between sky and earth, you feel your heart pounding harder than ever: this is what the Machame route promises, a legendary itinerary blending challenges, magnificent panoramas and deep immersion in Tanzanian wilderness. With Off Road Tanzania, you do not simply walk: you travel to the rhythm of changing vegetation, from dense tropical forest to giant grasses and then the lunar landscapes of the high altitude, accompanied by an expert team attentive to your safety, acclimatisation, but also to your dreams.
This 9-day / 8-night trek, guided, group-based, designed to offer you far more than a hike, gives you the full experience: effort, sharing, contemplation and that unique moment when you will dominate the roof of Africa, an achievement forever engraved in your memory. Ready to lace up your boots, feel the fresh morning air and discover how far your willpower can take you?
*Outside March, April, May and November (unfavourable season).
Key activities of the Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame route
- A 7-day trek via the Machame route – The most iconic route on Kilimanjaro, appreciated for the richness of its landscapes and its ideal progression, promoting good acclimatisation.
- The ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – The intense emotion of standing on the roof of Africa and admiring an unforgettable sunrise at nearly 6,000 metres above sea level.
- Immersion in magnificent, contrasting scenery – From the humidity of equatorial forests to alpine moorland, via the mineral desert of the high altitude and the sparkling glaciers.
- The discovery of astonishing endemic flora – Giant lobelias, tree senecios and other rare species that make this trek so distinctive.
- Nights spent in bivouac under a starry sky – An adventure in the heart of nature, made comfortable thanks to complete logistics with porters, a cook and suitable equipment.
- Professional, attentive support – Certified guides and an experienced local team who look after your safety while creating a warm atmosphere.
- A collective, friendly adventure – By joining a group (GIR package), share every stage with other travellers while keeping your own pace and freedom.
Price includes
- All transfers for the group registered on the programme;
- A French-speaking head guide for the ascent and the pre-ascent briefing;
- Full board during the ascent of Kilimanjaro; and the meals indicated on the programme;
- The assistance of one or more assistant guides, a team of porters and one or more cooks;
- Park fees of 1000 USD/person for 7 days on Kilimanjaro;
- The night in Arusha before and after the trek (or equivalent);
- A decompression chamber will be available throughout the ascent;
- The loan of camping equipment, see list in important information… except sleeping bags;
- VAT on transport, accommodation and services;
The price does not include
- International flights;
- Tanzanian visa fees (USD 50);
- Hotel costs in the event of abandonment of the ascent;
- Individual insurance (cancellation/luggage, assistance/repatriation, multi-risk);
- Tips for guides and porters (from USD 130 to 280 per client);
- Options and extras not included in the programme;
- Dinner in Arusha on day 1 and lunch on the last day;
- Any increase in park fees or government taxes
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Tanzania Information
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Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro - Transfer
Meet on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the lodge located near the airport.
Free dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
- Stops : Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation : Moyoni Airport Lodge
Arusha - Machame Hut
Departure from Arusha in the morning towards the Chagga village of Machame, the starting point for this trek, 4 to 6 hours’ walking through a dense, impenetrable forest of rubber trees, giant ferns, begonias and ficus.
Little by little, as you gain altitude, the vegetation changes. The tropical forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heather.
The camp is set up near the Machame Hut huts. (3050m).
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours
- Stages: Machame Hut
- Accommodation: Overnight camping at Machame Hut
Shira – Barranco
Breakfast.
Leaving the Shira camp, the route heads towards Kibo. The ascent is steady to Lawa Tower Pass, situated at 4570 m.
The descent to Barranco Camp leads to the edge of a gigantic canyon. Great Barranco, in which the senecios, very well watered by countless small waterfalls, grow in abundance.
After 6 hours of walking and a crossing at 4600 m, we will set up camp at Barranco Hut (3950 m).
Walking time: 6 hours
- Stages : Barranco
- Accommodation : Night in camp at Barranco
Barranco – Karanga
Breakfast.
You will cross the great Barranco wall. No difficulty, but the cliff is impressive.
After a long traverse, all of it made up of ascents and descents on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, you arrive at your camp for the night.
Walking time: 3 hours.
- Stages: Karanga
- Accommodation: Overnight camping at Karanga
Barranco - Karanga
You will cross the great wall of Barranco. There is no difficulty, but the cliff is impressive.
After a long traverse, all of it made up of ascents and descents on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, you arrive at your camp for the night.
Walking time: 3 hours.
- Stages: Karanga
- Accommodation: Night in camp at Karanga
Karanga - Barafu
We continue with our approach of short stages to facilitate perfect acclimatisation.
You will climb a large moraine up to Barafu camp. (4550m).
Walking time : 3 hours.
- Stages :Â Barafu
- Accommodation :Â Overnight camping at Barafu
Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka
Departure around midnight; temperatures can range from -10°C to -15°C.
The path winds up to the foot of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, between which the trail continues. The slope is steep, the atmosphere unreal amid these suspended glaciers.
After 6 hours of walking, at first light, you will arrive on the edge of the crater, between the Stella and Hans Meyer peaks.
Another hour of effort on the volcano’s snowy ridge is needed to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).
There, you will regain some strength before starting the descent to Mweka Hut, reached in the afternoon after 3-4 hours of walking.
Walking time : 9 to 10 hours.
- Stages :Â Uhuru Peak - Mweka
- Accommodation :Â Overnight camping at Mweka Hut
Mweka Gate - Arusha
Direct descent to the park gates. Allow 6-7 hours to reach Mweka Gate.
Before going for lunch, you will say goodbye to the porters and cooks. Your guides will take the opportunity to present you with certificates, if you have reached the summit.
Transfer to Arusha.
- Stages : Arusha
- Accommodation : Dinner and overnight at Moyoni Airport Lodge
Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast at Moyoni Airport Lodge, you will have a free morning to organise as you wish on site.
Lunch not included.
After lunch, depart for Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight or the start of your safari or a flight for a relaxing extension in Zanzibar!
- Stages: Kilimanjaro Airport
