9-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via Machame Route

Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport where your thrilling adventure begins! Kitano Tours driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you settle, the Kitano Tours managers will meet with you to talk about the climb and make sure you're all set and excited for your upcoming climb. On a private tour, we have group airport rides included in the package. If anyone arrives separately from the group, this individual transfer is subject to an extra cost. Check-in at the hotel starts at 2:00 PM - let us know in advance if you need an earlier check-in (can be arranged at an extra cost).

In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at your hotel for a quick briefing. The adventure then kicks off with a scenic drive to the threshold of Kilimanjaro National Park - the well-known Machame Gate. Once we swiftly handle the formalities of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, it's time to set foot on the trail leading to Machame Camp. On this first day on the Machame Route, you'll travel through a rainforest where sudden showers are common. To ensure you stay dry and comfortable, we recommend packing not just a change of clothes but also a raincoat. This dynamic weather is all part of the thrill, enhancing the magic of this grand hiking adventure that awaits you.

As dawn breaks and you enjoy a hearty breakfast, prepare to ascend towards the second high-altitude camp, the Shira Camp. Today, the dense rainforest gives way, revealing the vistas of the expansive Shira Plateau. While the trek is not technically challenging, the increase in altitude may become noticeable. It's crucial to listen to your body and maintain a comfortable pace to ensure a smooth and enjoyable climb. Once you reach the camp, you can savor a satisfying lunch and take some time to relax. This rest is followed by an invigorating acclimatization hike towards the Lava Tower Camp, an upward journey of 400 m / 1,312 ft. Returning to Shira Camp, you'll be greeted by a delicious hot dinner, the perfect end to a beautiful day of exploration.

After breakfast, your team of adventurers will leave Shira Camp behind, setting off to the landmark of the route, the Lava Tower. Today's trek winds its way through a hilly landscape, which can pose challenges, but reaching the height of 4,600 m /15,088 ft at Lava Tower is crucial for successful acclimatization. That's why we encourage our groups to pause and refuel with lunch at this altitude, allowing additional time to adjust before descending around 700 m / 2,297 ft to Barranco Camp, the next stopover on this thrilling journey. At Barranco Camp, you're greeted by the sight of the towering Barranco Wall, a sight that will both astonish and inspire with its sheer magnitude and steep incline. While it may seem daunting now, rest easy. Your ascent up this giant the next day is via a straightforward hiking trail, posing no significant challenges.

This morning, prepare for the ascent up the iconic Barranco Wall. To stay ahead of the other trekkers and maintain a steady pace, we suggest an early departure from the camp. Scaling the towering wall is less daunting than it appears, typically taking merely an hour. Once you conquer the wall, reward yourself with a well-deserved break, capturing memories in the backdrop of the magnificent Kibo volcano. Next, a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp. This trail features a few small ascents and descents over the hilly and vast Karanga valley. But our experienced guides are adept at setting a pace that suits the group's capabilities. After a brief rest at the camp, it's time for another acclimatization hike, this time aiming towards Barafu Camp. Expect to gain an altitude of 200 m /656 ft before you descend back to the camp.

As the morning sun rises, fill up on a warming breakfast and gear up for the journey to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp serves as the launchpad for your final night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,340 ft) - the crowning glory of your adventure. Our mountain team will advance ahead, ensuring that by the time you arrive, your tents are pitched and everything is in place for you to relax at Barafu Summit Camp. We recommend you spend the remaining daylight hours resting and replenishing your energy, preparing both body and mind for the thrilling, starlit climb to the summit that lies ahead. It's not every day one gets to sleep beneath the stars, on the threshold of conquering the tallest peak in Africa!

Your group will depart from Barafu Camp and begin the ultimate ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro - the majestic Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 m /19,340 ft. While technically the climb isn't overly complex, the sheer altitude can make even simple physical efforts feel challenging. To ensure your wellbeing during this critical phase, climbers will pair up, each duo under the eye of a personal guide. This allows us to closely monitor your physical and mental condition. At Uhuru Peak, if you wish, you can hike to the closest glacier for a captivating sight. You'll then descend back to Barafu Camp where after a 2-hour rest, the descent towards Millennium Camp continues. Bear in mind that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, which includes the majority of broken or twisted arms and legs. Extreme caution is needed, especially with regards to your feet, as the risk of toenail damage is high. Stay alert and safe as you navigate this final stage of your epic Kilimanjaro adventure.

Nestled amidst lush tropical rainforest, Millennium Camp offers a much-needed respite from the high-altitudes and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment from conquering the summit. Today, you journey towards the national park's exit: the Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the gate, a grand celebration awaits! After lunch, the whole team will assemble to congratulate you on your achievement. Finally, we will arrange a transfer back to the comfort of your hotel, concluding your epic Kilimanjaro adventure on a high note.

Take some time to unwind in the comfort of your hotel before the drive to the airport for your journey home. You'll need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. If your flight isn't until later in the evening and you'd like to extend your stay, there's an option to book the room for a little while longer at an additional cost.