Machame & Crater Camp 9 Days

What's Included?

• 9 day adventure, 7 of which include 3 meals a day
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi, breakfast included
• Airport Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport
• All Ground Transfers
• Accommodation while trekking*
• National Park Entry Fees & Crater Fee
• Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
• Porter service on the trek
• First aid kit
• Trip completion certificate
• Farewell Dinner

*The Machame Route is tent camping.

The Machame Route with an overnight stay at the Crater Camp is one of the more difficult routes on Kilimanjaro and perhaps the most rewarding of all the Kilimanjaro routes. The route involves a climb up the Western Breach while not technical is still the most difficult approach to the summit. The Crater Camp lies just below the summit and is used by only a handful of climbers. Staying at the Crater Camp gives you time to explore the stark volcanic landscape and glaciers that lie inside the dormant crater of Kilimanjaro. If you are up to the challenge it's probably one of the ultimate experiences on the mountain. We recommend the climbers attempting this have experience hiking at high elevations.

The Machame Route passes through a variety of ecosystems from tropical jungle to cloud forests to heathlands & alpine and at the top glacial ice. Only in the mountains of Africa will you see the Giant lobelias and groundsel found in the heathlands of Kilimanjaro. The route features a tented camping experience as opposed to the Marangu Route which makes use of an extensive mountain hut system. Our all inclusive package includes 7 days of climbing as well as airport transfers and overnight accommodation in Moshi before and after the climb.

Day 1 - Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.

Day 2 - Machame Camp

(9,927 feet/3,026 m), 7 miles/11 km (5 to 7 hours)
We will pick you up at the hotel in Moshi after breakfast and drive about an hour to the Machame gate where the trek starts. From the Machame Park gate it's a gentle climb up through dense rainforest to the Machame Camp.

Day 3 - Shira Camp

(12,355 feet/3,766 m), 3 miles/5 km (4 to 6 hours)
The morning starts with a personal introduction to your trekking team. The hike is different today as the jungle gives away to zones of giant heather and moorland. If you have enough time you take a short hike to the Shira Caves after reaching camp.

Day 4 - Lava Tower Camp

We trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4642m). Shortly before the Lava Tower the Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route. If the weather’s good you can ask your guide to lead you to the summit of the Lava Tower (4688m) where the views are excellent. Lunch is normally taken at the foot of the tower. In the afternoon we will take an acclimatization hike from Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier Camp before returning to camp for the night.

In the event that your guide feels spending tonight at 4642m would not help your acclimatization, he may choose for you to descend to Barranco Camp (3965m) overnight. Distance from Lava Tower to Barranco is 3.7km. The descent is tiring and should not be underestimated.

Day 5 - Arrow Glacier Camp

Today we will make the relatively short trek from Lava Tower Camp (or Barranco Camp if used) to Arrow Glacier Campsite (4871m). Though only a short distance is covered (2.5km) the walk is still exhausting. During the afternoon we will take an acclimatization hike up the Western Breach route. You are advised to get all your gear ready for the summit bid before you go to sleep as we will get an early start the following morning.

Day 6 - Summit & Crater Camp

We will get an early start around 5am to climb the Western Breach to the crater rim at 5725m. The Western Breach is the steepest and most challenging route up the mountain. While it's not technical it is the steepest approach to the summit of all the routes. When you reach the crater rim you can see the Furtwangler Glacier to your immediate east and from here it's only 170 vertical meters to the summit and a relatively easy walk. Having admired the views from the summit you will make the relatively short hike down to the crater camp.

Day 7 - Mweka Camp

This morning we will hike across the crater and back up to the rim of the crater. Views are enjoyed towards the summit and into the centre of the volcanic cone where fumaroles and sulphur emissions can often be seen. Upon again reaching the rim of the crater we will begin the descent to Barafu Camp, this time moving left of our ascent route into the Southeast Valley, descending via its loose scree slopes. At Barafu Camp we have a short refreshment break before continuing to Mweka 3090m where we overnight again.

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Moshi

(Descent to 5,380 feet/725 m), 6 miles/10 km (4 to 5 hours)
From Mweka campsite it is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night and to have a final farewell dinner with your guides.

Day 9 - Departure Day

After breakfast, according to your flight time we will drop you at the airport or assist you in catching the shuttle to Nairobi. End of our services.

Extra Cost and Exclusions

• For visas please click here.
• All the meals are included on the climb but we only include breakfast while you are in Moshi.
• We suggest a minimum tip for your climbing staff of $300. (Please Review our Tip Guidelines).

Climbing Gear

• We will provide tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
• We will provide a duffel bag that you repack your personal gear into for the porter to carry.
• You are responsible to bring your own personal gear (Check gear list).

Solo Travelers

We don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Moshi and a private tent during the climb.

Discontinued Climbs

Some climbers may actually finish the climb ahead of schedule and others may have problems with altitude or decide to come down earlier for other reasons. If you do get back to Moshi early you are responsible to pay the costs for your extra hotel nights ($40 per/night) and meals. Keep in mind, our costs are the same regardless of when you end the climb. So even if you are climbing fewer days than scheduled keep in mind that we have already paid the staff, purchased, food and rented gear for all the days you were supposed to be on the climb.

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $150 cancelation fee. Once we have made arrangements for the climb such as renting gear and buying food the deposit is not refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.