Kilimanjaro Expedition & Chemka Hotspring
From: €2420
9 Days with 7 Days / 6 Nights on the mountain
Machame Route
Take part in our Kilimanjaro trekking and camping expedition! Join our group of brave and active like-minded travelers as we climb to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, standing tall at 5895 m high. Our professional and experienced mountain crew will accompany you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. We’ll take the Machame route, one of the most scenic trails to the top, passing through 4 different climatic zones.
Starting with a gradual ascent through the lush forest, we’ll emerge to stunning views of the Shira plateau’s moorland, Kibo peak, and the Western Breach. As we climb higher, the landscapes transform into a grandiose high-mountainous desert, culminating in the breathtaking snow-capped peak, where we’ll witness the famous Kilimanjaro glaciers. After the climb, we’ll unwind and relax with a lovely swim and rope swing in the tranquil Chemka hot springs. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill and beauty of Kilimanjaro firsthand.Â
Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame 7 day climb) & Chemka Hotsprings. Day-by-Day:
Day 0: Arrival to Kilimanjaro
Welcome to the land of adventure! Upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, our friendly driver will be there to greet you and whisk you away to your hotel located in the suburbs of Moshi town.
As you settle into your room, take a moment to soak in the views of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro right outside the hotel gate. With a variety of delicious meals, a clean swimming pool, lush garden, and impeccable service, this cozy accommodation is the perfect place to start your journey.
After a refreshing dip in the pool, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, where you’ll get to know each other. Our guide will brief you on what to expect during your time in Tanzania. And if you need any personal mountain gear, we’ll arrange to have it individually selected just for you (by prior arrangement only). If you arrive early and have some extra time, don’t let it go to waste! Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the cultural village of Marangu on an organic coffee tour, hike to a stunning waterfall, and visit the underground caves and hut of the Chagga tribe (additional cost applies, arranged upon request). With so much to see and do, your adventure in Tanzania starts now!
- Overnight: Lodge in the suburbs of Moshi town
- Meal plan: no meals included today (at your own expense)
Day 1: Moshi – Machame Gate (1800 m) – Machame Camp (2980 m)
- Walking distance: 11 km
- Walking time: 5-7 hours
- Altitude gain: 1180 m
Rise early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before departing from your hotel at approximately 8:30 AM. We’ll provide you with a lunchbox to enjoy on your trek.
As we enter the park entrance gate, you will be awed by the dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other lush tropical vegetation. The trail is relatively easy at this stage, allowing you to fully take in the beauty of nature around you.
After a few hours of trekking, we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch break halfway to our campsite for the night. Continuing our ascent, the landscape transforms into tall grasses and giant heather, with the Semira and Weru streams guiding us along the ridge.
As the day comes to a close, we’ll arrive at the serene Machame Camp, set up near some old metals huts that once provided shelter for previous explorers. Don’t rush to the campsite, take your time to absorb the breathtaking scenery of the African mountain forest. Our experienced guides will ensure a gradual ascent for your safety and acclimatization.
- Overnight: Machame Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp (2980 m) – Shira-2 Camp (3840 m)
- Walking distance: 9 km
- Walking time: 4-6 hours
- Altitude gain: 860 m
A steaming cup of tea or coffee will be ready to greet you at around 6:00 AM, along with the fabulous sight of Uhuru peak on a clear day.
Today’s trek is an exhilarating ascent through a savannah filled with tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You’ll encounter the giant groundsels, otherworldly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. After about 3-4 hours of hiking, you’ll stop for a lunch break just below the Shira Plateau.
The hike to the next campsite takes around six hours, and most climbers tend to pace themselves, taking regular breaks and walking slowly. Upon arrival between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, you’ll have time to relax, unwind, and perhaps take an acclimatization hike with your guides before dinner.
- Overnight: Shira-2 Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Shira-2 Camp (3850 m) – Lava Tower (4630 m) – Barranco Camp (3950 m)
- Walking distance: 15 km
- Walking time: 7-9 hours
- Altitude gain: 110 m/790 to Lava Tower
Good morning adventurer! Shira Plateau greets you today with breathtaking vistas to Mt. Meru and the Shira Needle, you’ll be left speechless by the majesty of your surroundings.
Your journey continues with a steady walk towards the pass at Lava Tower, where you’ll pause to refuel with a lunch. As you cross the Bastain stream, your descent begins towards Barranco Camp. Descending along the Great Barranco canyon, you’ll witness a stunning display of nature’s power, with numerous waterfalls cascading down the rocky terrain. These falls are fed by streams originating from the mountain, converging here to form Umbwe River.
Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. This is a full day trek and you may feel the exhaustion as you finally reach the campsite between 4:30-5:30 PM. Take a moment to catch your breath and reflect on the experiences of the day, after settling into your new temporary home for the night.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950 m) – Karanga Camp (4040 m)
- Walking distance: 5.8 km
- Walking time: 4-5 hours
- Altitude gain: 90 m
Today marks the start of your hike towards the Karanga Camp, a destination that awaits you almost on the same altitude as Barranco Camp. The day’s journey begins with a bit of a climb at the Barranco Wall, after which you’ll spend most of your time traversing the slopes of the mountain on your way to the camp.
Today’s climb is not considered difficult, and with your determination and stamina, you should arrive at Karanga Camp in good time for lunch. Anticipate trekking for about 4 to 5 hours, as you bask in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes that unfold before your eyes.
The afternoon presents a unique opportunity to explore the majestic Karanga Valley. Here, giant senecios and lobelia grow, providing a glimpse of the abundant plant life that thrives in the region. It is also wise to take some time to rest and recharge, as you prepare yourself for the challenging climb that lies ahead. The Karanga Camp promises to be another special experience that will leave you energized and ready to conquer the mountain.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4040 m) – Barafu Camp (4550 m)
- Walking distance: 3.5 kmÂ
- Walking time: 4-5 hours
- Altitude gain: 510 m
The next phase of your journey is a scenic climb to Barafu Camp. The ascent is primarily on glacial deposits and lava ridges, which provide a unique hiking terrain.
To your right, the Mawenzi peak stands tall, an imposing figure that commands your attention. Meanwhile, the Kibo peak hovers overhead, a constant reminder of the incredible feat that lies ahead.
As you approach the alpine desert terrain, you’ll notice a striking contrast from the lush surroundings of the previous days. Here, the mineral environment dominates, with few lichens and mosses present. The barren landscape, however, has a special beauty of its own.
After arriving at the camp, you’ll break for lunch before preparing for the summit gear check in the afternoon. For climbers who are determined to ascend the peak, an early bedtime is in order as the next day is set to be the longest one yet. The summit day will start just after the midnight, and you will push yourself a little beyond your limits in pursuit of a dream.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4550 m) – Stella Point (5739 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)
- Walking distance: 4.9 km to Uhuru Peak, then 11.5 km descend to Mweka CampÂ
- Walking time: 13-17 hours
- Altitude gain: 1345 m
- Descend: 2795 m
Tonight is the night when you’ll achieve one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is no small feat, but with your strength and willpower, you will make it to the top and feel a sense of pride like never before. The journey begins around midnight, after a light breakfast. This stage of the climb is where the true challenge begins, the climb becomes much more tough. Night temperatures can range from -7° to -29°C. Climbers are advised to carry as little as possible at this part of the climb.
You will climb for about 6 hours before reaching the edge of the crater, Stella Point. From there, it will take an additional hour of challenging climbing to reach the summit, Uhuru, which stands at a towering 5895 m above sea level, making it the highest point on the African continent. Wow, you are standing at the Roof of Africa now!
The descent is not really easier than the ascent. So concentrate and do a little more for another 3 hours to get back to Barafu Camp, where you will be given a chance to rest and refresh before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00 PM, you will have trekked a total of 13 to 17 hours today, exhausted but happy and exhilarated by your accomplishment.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1640 m) – Chemka hot springs – Moshi
- Walking distance: 15 km
- Walking time: 3-4 hours
- Descend: 1120 m
On the final day of your journey, you will begin your descent from Mweka Camp to the base. The descent will take approximately 5 hours, and you will typically arrive to Mweka Gate before noon. Upon reaching the gate, you will receive certificates as a proof of your successful climb to Mount Kilimanjaro, a testament to your perseverance and determination. Congratulations!
But the adventure doesn’t end there. After the climb, we will treat you with a bonus trip and take you to the enchanting oasis of Chemka hot springs, nestled amidst a lush jungle. Here, you will immerse in the warm waters of the hot springs and experience the thrill of jumping into a crystal-clear lake from a bungee. A local picnic lunch will be served here. Savor the moment and take in the serene beauty of your surroundings.
After lunch, it’s time to head back to your hotel in Moshi town, where you can finally indulge in a long-awaited hot shower. As the day draws to a close, you will enjoy a scrumptious dinner before retiring to your soft bed, basking in the memories of your unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Overnight: Key’s Hotel
- Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Departure to the airport or continue your adventures on safari (additionally)
After breakfast, your driver will be ready to take to Kilimanjaro airport those of you who are flying to Zanzibar or to a home country. For the rest of the travelers, an exciting safari through the best national parks in Africa awaits!
Get ready to embark on a exciting safari adventure exploring the beauty of the African wilderness. Witness majestic animals in their natural habitat, from elephants and lions to giraffes and zebras. Experience the thrill of spotting rare and exotic species and capture stunning photographs to cherish forever.
For animal lovers and horseback riding enthusiasts, we also offer an exclusive holiday at the sanctuary for wild animals situated at the foot of Kilimanjaro, boasting breathtaking views of the mountain from your veranda. Immerse yourself in nature and wildlife, as you ride majestic horses through the landscapes around Kilimanjaro.
This is your chance to create unforgettable memories and discover the best of Africa’s wildlife and natural wonders. So lose no time to explore, experience and embrace the adventure that will stay with you forever!
- Meals: breakfast
Welcome to East Africa! Enjoy your adventures!
What’s included:
- Meet and greet at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to Moshi town
- 2 nights in a hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb) in twin/double rooms with breakfast included
- 7-day climb with camping accommodation in 2- or 3-sleeper tents
- High-quality camping equipment, including sleeping bags
- All entrance tickets to Kilimanjaro National Park
- All camping fees in campsites of Kilimanjaro National Park
- Services of a professional licensed mountain guide
- 3 hearty freshly prepared meals per day during the climb, chef’s services
- Porter wages
- Group first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter
- Emergency assistance and evacuation if necessary
- Transfers to and from the park gates
- All government taxes and fees
- Bonus trip to Chemka hot springs with picnic lunch
- Full-time informational support of a tour leader before and during the climb
What’s not included:
- Personal gear (clothing, footwear, and accessories) – you can bring your own or rent it from us (upon prior agreement). We’ll send you a list of necessary equipment in advance
- Tipping for the mountain crew (recommended amount of € 200-250 for the entire climbing program)
- Visa ($ 50 on arrival or online at (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/)
- medical insurance
Please note that these items are not included in the package.
However, we can assist you with arranging them if needed.
Tipping the mountain crew is a common practice and shows appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Finally, obtaining a visa and medical insurance is your responsibility, but we are happy to guide you also through these processes, and make it as smooth as possible.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
|
1 |
€2740 |
|
2 |
€2710 |
|
3 |
€2610 |
|
4 |
€2530 |
|
5 |
€2475 |
|
6 |
€2420 |