Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Tanzania Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trekking
Day 1 Welcome to Tanzania
2-hour shared vehicle transfer
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania and meet with MT Sobek trip leaders to transfer to camp at the foot of Mount Meru, a stratovolcano roughly 40 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax and acclimatize at 6,000 feet (a key factor in our summitting success rate), and meet fellow travelers before hitting the trail. A light dinner will be available at any arrival time.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Itikoni Camp
(D)
Day 2 Hike the Forested Slopes of Mount Meru
1–2 hours/2 miles optional hiking with 2,000' elevation gain; camp at 6,440'
Rise and shine for a hot breakfast at sunrise. After an in-depth briefing session, set off for an optional warm-up hike on the forested slopes of Mount Meru. Look out for colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffes, and elephants and notice the region's diverse bird species that include touracos, hornbills, and parrots. Unwind to the alpenglow descending on the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Enjoy your welcome dinner with other guests and your guide this evening.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Itikoni Camp
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Trek through a Montane Cloud Forest to Machame Camp
2-hour scenic transfer
7 hours/8 miles hiking with 3,900’ elevation gain; camp at 9,900'
Kick the day off with a scenic drive to the Machame Route trailhead on Kilimanjaro's southeastern slope. Pass Kilimanjaro National Park gates and start the beautiful montane cloud forest trek to the camp near the Machame Hut (10,000'). En route, pause for a hearty buffet lunch and continue the tropical climb over roots and through tangled vines of the giant fern forest. Warm up to a hot dinner at MT Sobek Camp's cozy dining tent.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Kilimanjaro
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Trek to Shira Plateau at 12,400'
5 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 2,900' elevation gain; camp at 12,400'
After breakfast, begin a short but arduous 3-mile hike through twisted heather bush forests, giant groundsel trees, low grasses, moorland lobelias, and black obsidian rock. End at Shira Plateau at 12,650', a stunning viewpoint onto the sweeping East African plains and Mount Meru in the distance. At the camp, revel in the first views of Kilimanjaro's Western Breach.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Kilimanjaro
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Head to the Great Barranco Valley
5-7 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and 1,000' of loss; camp at 13,000'
Today's hike is to the beautiful Great Barranco Valley, as evidenced by its recognition in the renowned Kilimanjaro IMAX film. Take in the towering peaks and lush landscapes as you climb to your first night at the 13,000 foot level. From camp you will have a view of the awesome Breach Wall towering above and enjoy a short afternoon hike from camp through enchanting Senecio forests. Here you begin the critical acclimatization process, preparing yourself for the exciting summit push.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Depart for Karanga Valley
4-5 hours/3 miles hiking with about 880' of elevation gain and 680' of loss; camp at 13,200'
Leaving the spectacular Great Barranco Valley, your journey unfolds beneath the glittering southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. Continue to ascend the challenging rock face of the "Breakfast Wall" a steep and stunning climb of about a thousand feet, arriving at the ridge separating the Barranco Valley from the Karanga Valley with panoramic views. From here take a well-earned descent into the Karanga Valley to your camp for the night.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Depart Karanga Valley for Barafu Camp
4-6 hours/3 miles hiking with 3,000' elevation gain; camp at 15,330'
As you ascend from the Karanga Valley, the landscape transforms, presenting a mix of rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. A pivotal segment of the ascent, you begin the traverse to the intersection of the Barafu and Mweka routes. You will navigate undulating paths through multiple ecological zones, showcasing the diverse ecosystems of Kilimanjaro. At the intersection, turn uphill and climb a steeper more challenging ascent towards Barafu Camp. Here the air is thinner and views stark and awe-inspiring.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Climb to Crater Camp
7-9 hours/2 miles hiking with 3,600' elevation gain; camp at 18,800'
Today's exhilarating and challenging trek will wind its way up the Barafu Route, a non- technical climbing trail rising right to the crater rim of the main Kilimanjaro summit massif. On reaching the rim, pause to explore the inner crater and the ash pit before continuing to your highest camp on the crater floor, and the final camp before summit day. This spectacular high camp is next to the Furtwrangler Glacier, offering stunning views westward toward Mount Meru and the setting African sun.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Summit the Top of Uhuru Peak
8-10 hours/8 miles hiking with 540’ gain and 9,340’ loss; camp at 10,000’
Today comes the unforgettable moment of success: making the final, 2-hour push to 19,341' — the top of Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak. Rejoice in surreal views of summit crater glaciers and African plains and join in for a group summit photo. Around 9am, start descending over 9,000 feet. Rest during lunch at Barafu (15,330 feet) and end the last night at Mweka Camp, nestled within a lush forest.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Bid Farewell to Kilimanjaro
1-hour transfer to hotel; Shared airport transfer
3-5 hours/4 miles hiking with 4,500’ elevation loss
Finish off the last 3,700 feet down the rainforest trail to the Mweka Gate for a celebratory lunch and then transfer to Moivaro Lodge, a quiet retreat surrounded by lush flora and fauna. Relax in your day room, enjoy hot showers, and let the rewarding experience of your spectacular journey sink in. Bid farewell to fellow climbers, then head to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for homeward-bound flights. Those who prefer can join our optional 5-day Tanzania Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari Extension!
(B, L)
