Excellent
Was an interesting trip, a wonderful place and a perfect experience
Moisés RodríguezPeru · Visited January 2023
Kilimanjaro trek · Private climbFrom Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak
8 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route with Crater Camping
The Machame Route with a rare night at Crater Camp, just below Uhuru Peak, beside the Furtwängler Glacier.
Duration8 days
Summit5,895 m
SleepingCamping + Crater Camp
Summit successMedium
About this route
Machame Route with Crater Camping
This is the Machame Route with a rare extra: a night at Crater Camp, inside Kibo's summit crater, close to Uhuru Peak and the Furtwängler Glacier. You climb through five climate zones, past the Lava Tower and up the Barranco Wall, then sleep at the top of Africa before summiting at first light. Sleeping this high needs good acclimatisation, and your guides monitor you closely. Fully catered camping throughout.
- A night at Crater Camp near the summit
- Explore the Reusch Crater and ash pit
- Five climate zones
- Lava Tower and Barranco Wall
Climb at a glance
- Route
- Machame Route with Crater Camping
- Duration
- 8 days
- Start
- Machame Gate
- Sleeping
- Camping + Crater Camp
- Acclimatisation
- Good
- Price
- On request
Day by day
The climb, stage by stage
Day 1
Machame Gate - Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2
Machame camp - Shira camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Day 3
Shira camp – Lava tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 6
Barafu to Crater Camp
In the early morning you will start the most challenging part of the ascent as the sun rises. You should reach Stella point, the crater rim of Kibo, after about 5-7 hours of strenuous climbing up the scree and ash paths. From Stella Point you will head towards the highest camp on Kilimanjaro – the Crater Camp – which is situated at an altitude of 5730 m. From here there are breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers.
Day 7
Crater Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The first sunlight marks the start of your final ascent towards the summit. It will be a slow and arduous 2 hours or so before you reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, which towers above anywhere else in Africa at 5895 meters. From the peak, you will be able to see the surrounding summits, glaciers and landscapes being lit up by the warm morning sun – a truly unforgettable experience. After a short break and the mandatory summit pictures, you will return to Barafu Camp where the rest of the climbing crew will await you. Here you will have some time to rest and a much-needed warm meal will be served. Afterwards, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3080 m) which will take you about 3 hours. At Mweka Camp you will have an evening meal followed by a well-deserved deep night’s sleep.
Day 8
Mweka camp to Arusha
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Arusha.
Route profile
Distances, hiking times and habitats
| Day | Stage | Elevation | Distance | Hiking time | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machame Gate - Machame Camp | 5,400ft to 9,400ft | 11 km | 5-7 hours | Rain Forest |
| 2 | Machame camp - Shira camp | 9,400ft to 12,500ft | 5 km | 4-6 hours | Moorland |
| 3 | Shira camp – Lava tower to Barranco Camp | 12,500ft to 13,000ft | 10 km | 6-8 hours | Semi Desert |
| 4 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 13,000ft to 13,100ft | 5 km | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 5 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | 13,100ft to 15,300ft | 4 km | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 6 | Barafu to Crater Camp | 15,300ft to 18,800ft | 5 km | 6-7 hours | Arctic |
| 7 | Crater Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp | 18,800ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,100ft) | 5 km ascent / 12 km descent | 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent | Arctic |
| 8 | Mweka camp to Arusha | 10,000ft to 5,400ft | 10 km | 3-4 hours | Rain Forest |
Price on request
The price depends on your group size, dates and whether you add a safari or Zanzibar afterwards. Send us your dates and we will reply with a clear per-person price.
After the summit
Add a safari or Zanzibar.
Most climbers rest their legs on a northern circuit safari or on a Zanzibar beach. We plan the whole trip as one.
Reviews
★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookingsWhat travellers say
It was a unique experience!!
We went on a 5 days Safari in Tanzania. We visit the Serengeti and Ngororo plains, around the Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks & the Ngororo crater. Big boss Antony designed an amazing programme and our guide Peter gave us a unique experience into the wild Africa. His magic eye was able to catch exotic animals, like cheetahs and rhinos, finding the perfect spot in a middle of a vast plain. My only complaint was that I had to go back to work 🤓 Miss you already, guys! What a wonderful adventure !!!
Marcela Celis AmorteguiColombia · Visited October 2025Tony is the Best. 10/10 recommendation plus 5 stars review. He went above and beyond on our trip.
This Past year we visited Tanzania , let me tell you how it went. From the moment our plane touched down, every aspect of our trip was meticulously managed. The airport transfers were seamless, and the selection of hotels and safari lodges provided truly top-tier comfort and amenities. Each accommodation was not only luxurious and well-appointed but also strategically chosen to enhance our overall experience. Tony our guide, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our family felt completely safe, comfortable and well cared for. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, local culture and terrain was captivating, enriching every game drive and interactions. The entire expedition, from the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the impeccable logistical arrangements, was nothing short of spectacular. We wholeheartedly RECOMMEND Tony and BigfiveTrails to anyone seeking a truly unparalleled and profoundly memorable Tanzanian Safari experience. They deliver excellence in every detail.
NeEma BrostromUnited States · Visited December 2025Personal planning
Planning your climb?
Tell us your dates, group size and any altitude experience. We will confirm the best route and send a full proposal.
- Share dates, travellers and the feeling you want the journey to hold.
- We shape an itinerary with routing logic, lodge fit and a calmer sense of luxury.
- You receive a clear proposal with prices per person, inclusions and lodge options.
WhatsApp+255 653 110 463
Emailinfo@bigfivetrails.com
Included with every booking
The BigFiveTrails Promise
Six things you can count on, whichever safari you choose.
Free date changes
Move your dates free of charge up to 60 days before arrival.
No hidden costs
Park fees, taxes, private vehicle, guide and drinking water are in your price.
Met at the airport
Airport pickup and drop-off included on every safari.
Lodges we know
Every lodge and camp hand-picked by our team in Arusha.
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Our Arusha team answers you every day of your trip, day or night.
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Private vehicle and guide – no strangers, no fixed schedule.
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Rated 5.0 out of 5 on SafariBookings by verified travellers. Planned and run from our base in Arusha.
How booking works
- 30% deposit to confirm your booking
- Balance due 60 days before arrival
- Written confirmation of every lodge and park permit
- Licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Arusha
Ways to pay
- Bank transfer (USD)
- Visa / Mastercard (card fee may apply)
- Wise transfer
While you travel
- Your own private vehicle and guide
- WhatsApp support from our Arusha team every day of your trip
- Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
| If you cancel | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before arrival | Deposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months |
| 59 to 30 days before arrival | 50% of the total trip price |
| 29 to 15 days before arrival | 75% of the total trip price |
| Less than 15 days before arrival | 100% of the total trip price |
Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy
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