This route is usually done in 5 days (the shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi. Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′.
Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain. Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone. Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs. Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals, and more!
Itinerary
Day 0: Pre-trek briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, Foot On Kili Tanzania Adventure will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel.
You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today, you will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. You will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment.
A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Rest day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 0km/0mi
- Hiking time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, you will now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. Continuing, you will now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa.
There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here you will descend, stopping for lunch, and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast