Skip to main content

off-gridadventures.com

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day trek to the roof of Africa via the world-renowned Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro . Beginning in Moshi , this fully supported expedition journeys through remarkably diverse eco-zones, starting in lush tropical rainforests before ascending through moorlands, semi-deserts, and alpine terrain to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Guided by professional mountain crews with full camping support, the route offers optimal acclimatization via Lava Tower and Barranco Camp, culminating in a spectacular sunrise at the summit before descending through Mweka Gate.

Quick Facts & Highlights

🏔️ Summit Africa's Highest Peak: Reach the ultimate altitude of Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for unmatched panoramic views across the continent.
🌿 Diverse Ecological Zones: Experience dramatic landscape shifts daily, traversing montane rainforests, moorland plateaus, alpine deserts, and icy ridges.
Fully Supported Camping Expedition: Complete with expert local guides, porters, mountain chefs, private mess tents, and all essential trekking equipment.
📈 Optimal High-Altitude Acclimatization: Designed with a "climb high, sleep low" structure via Lava Tower to maximize safety and summit success.

Book on Viator

Duration

6 Days/5 Night

Rating

4.9 (570 Reviews)

Pickup Point

Kilimanjaro Airport Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania

Price

2,350$

Itinerary

DAY 1: STARTING THE CLIMB (MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP)

Moshi to Machame Gate & Rainforest TrekEarly morning briefing and breakfast followed by a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to Machame village (1490m).Register at the park gate office and enter the lush Montane rainforest to begin your ascent.Receive a packed lunch at the gate to enjoy along the trail.Trek through the tropical rainforest zone, arriving at Machame Camp in the evening.Distance: ~18 km | Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Elevation: 1,490m to 2,980m | Habitat: Montane ForestDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Moorland Ascent & Shira Plateau
Rise early at Machame Camp for breakfast before ascending out of the rainforest and entering the moorland zone.Climb a rocky ridge onto the expansive Shira Plateau with spectacular views of the Western Breach and its glaciers.Enjoy a short lunch break on the trail before completing the final leg to Shira Camp (3,840m).Distance: ~9 km | Hiking Time: ~6 hours | Elevation: 2,980m to 3,840m | Habitat: MoorlandDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization Trek via Lava Tower to BarrancoTrek east across a semi-desert and rocky landscape toward Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630m after approximately 5 hours.Enjoy lunch near Lava Tower for critical high-altitude acclimatization ("climb high, sleep low").Descent nearly 680m over 2 hours into the scenic Barranco Valley below the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall.Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m) in time for dinner and a memorable sunset over the valley.Distance: ~15 km | Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m (Lava Tower) to 3,950m | Habitat: Semi-desertDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Barranco Wall & Ascent to Summit Base Camp
Scramble up the Great Barranco Wall and cross Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp (4,550m).Pitch tents along the stony, exposed ridge of Barafu Camp—the base camp for the summit push.Prepare cold-weather gear, headlamps, and thermal flasks early in the evening in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.Rest early (around 7:00 PM) to gather strength before starting the final ascent during the night.Distance: ~13 km | Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Elevation: 3,950m to 4,550m | Habitat: Alpine desertDuration: 7 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Midnight Summit Push & Descent to Mweka
Begin the night ascent from Barafu Camp (4,550m) through stone scree and ice toward Stella Point (5,685m) and onwards to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.Celebrate at the summit with sunrise views before beginning the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch.Continue descending through the alpine landscape to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for dinner and overnight rest.Distance: ~7 km ascent / ~23 km descent | Hiking Time: ~8 hours to summit, ~7–8 hours descent | Elevation: 4,550m to 5,895m (Summit) to 3,100m | Habitat: Stone scree, ice & alpine desertDuration: 8 hours | Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

Hotel Accommodation: Two nights accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb).
Transfers & Transport: Return airport transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain.
Mountain Crew & Guide Services: Qualified guides, porters, cook, and waiters (including their salaries, accommodation, and mountain entry fees).
Park & Safety Fees: National park fees, rescue fees, pulse oximeters, and first aid kit.
Camping & Dining Equipment: Tents and sleeping mattresses, mess tent for dining, mini camping chairs, tables, candles, cutlery, crockery, and eating utensils.
Meals & Water: Boiled water on the mountain and all specified meals on the mountain (6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners).


What's Excluded

Hotel Supplements: Single room supplement at Springlands Hotel and additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included.
Tips: Tips for guides, porters, cook, and waiters.
Climbing Gear & Personal Items: Personal climbing gear, items of personal nature, and sleeping bags.
Meals & Drinks: Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
Travel & Medical Needs: Visas and emergency oxygen.


Who Is This Tour For?

High-Altitude Trekkers: Ideal for adventurers seeking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Africa's highest peak, via the scenic Machame Route.
Camping & Wilderness Enthusiasts: Perfect for hikers who enjoy multi-day tent camping under the stars across diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts.
Fit & Determined Walkers: Designed for active travelers with strong physical endurance who are prepared for 6–8 hours of daily hiking and a challenging midnight summit push.
Culture & Nature Seekers: Great for travelers looking for a fully supported expedition with experienced local guides, porters, and mountain crews while taking in dramatic glacier and valley views.

Ready for Your Kilimanjaro Adventure?

Book your 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route expedition safely and securely

Book on Viator

Leave a Review & Rating

Have you trekked with us? Share your experience with future travelers.