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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 meet your guide team. The climb leads through dense rainforest with moss-covered trees and streams. After about 5–6 hours you reach Machame Camp, where you rest and enjoy the sunset over the hills.
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, offering wide views of the plateau and surrounding mountains. On arrival at Shira Camp, enjoy the evening atmosphere 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 you descend to Barranco Camp. The hike takes 6–7 hours and includes steep ascents, lava fields and spectacular views. At Barranco Camp you rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Barranco Camp / Barranco Wall
An important day for acclimatization. You climb the famous Barranco Wall, a moderate but impressive scramble with spectacular views. After the exercise you return to camp, rest, and enjoy the sunset.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,950m – 4,200m)
The climb leads through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. The hike takes 4–5 hours and offers beautiful views of lava fields and alpine landscapes. The day serves further acclimatization and preparation for the Barafu ascent.
Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,200m – 4,600m)
Today you hike to Barafu Camp, the starting point for the summit climb. The route takes 4–5 hours, partly steep through lava fields and alpine vegetation. At Barafu Camp you refuel and rest to be fit for summit night.
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (4,600m – 5,895m – 3,100m)
The summit tour begins around midnight. You hike through rocky lava fields and steep passages to Uhuru Peak. The sunrise above the clouds is an unforgettable experience. After the summit you first descend to Barafu Camp, eat something, and then continue to Mweka Camp through lush vegetation.
Day 8: 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 8-day Machame Kilimanjaro tour ends full of unforgettable experiences, spectacular 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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