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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Overview
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Elevation Profile
How the altitude climbs, day by day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp (1,800m – 3,000m)
The tour begins at Machame Gate, where you receive your permits and are greeted by the guides. You climb through dense rainforest, past moss-covered trees, streams and exotic birdlife. After about 5–6 hours you reach Machame Camp, where you rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,000m – 3,840m)
After breakfast you hike through the moorland and heath zone to the Shira Plateau. The route takes 6–7 hours, climbing moderately and offering wide views of the plateau and surrounding mountains. On arrival at Shira Camp, enjoy the sunset and prepare for the next day.
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp (3,840m – 3,950m)
Today you hike across the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower, a highlight for acclimatization. After a short break at the Lava Tower you descend to Barranco Camp. The route takes 6–7 hours and includes steep ascents and spectacular lava fields. At Barranco Camp you rest for the next day.
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,950m – 4,200m)
The climb leads through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. The hike takes 4–5 hours, partly steep, past lava fields and alpine heath. You enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape and prepare for the ascent to Barafu Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,200m – 4,600m)
Today you continue to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit climb. The hike takes 4–5 hours through rocky lava fields and alpine landscape. At Barafu Camp you refuel and rest to be fit for summit night.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Barafu Camp / Mweka Camp (4,600m – 5,895m – 3,100m)
The summit tour begins very early in the morning, usually around midnight. Equipped with headlamps you hike through rocky lava fields and steep sections to Uhuru Peak. The sunrise above the clouds is an unforgettable experience. After the summit you descend to Barafu Camp, eat something, and continue to Mweka Camp, through lush vegetation and mountain forest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha (3,100m – 1,860m)
On the last day you hike 3–4 hours back to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Afterwards, transfer to Arusha or your hotel. Your 7-day Machame Kilimanjaro tour ends full of unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and the triumph of conquering Africa's highest mountain.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry & camping/hut fees
- KPAP-certified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Mountain camping equipment or hut accommodation (route-dependent)
- Treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Government rescue fees
- Airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & medical evacuation insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, sleeping bag)
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb (unless stated)
Best Time to Travel
The clearest, driest climbing conditions fall in two windows: late June through October, and January to mid-March. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the short and long rains (November, and April-May) bring wetter trails and lower summit visibility.
Camping (mountain tents, full trekking crew)
Full board on the mountain, prepared by our mountain cooks
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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