Machame Route

Without a doubt, this is the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro. The path starts at the Machame Gate (1 800 m) and heads into the pristine forest eventually reaching camp 1 – Machame Hut (3 000 m). From camp there are views of Meru Peak and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The path from Machame Hut to Shira Hut (3 840 m) heads into the moorland and offers great views of the Shira Needle, Shira Cathedral and East Shira Hill.

On day 3 you will reach an altitude of about 4 600 m at Lava Tower. The walk from Lava Tower to Barranco Hut (3 950 m) offers great photo opportunities of the awe-inspiring Western Breach and Breach Wall. Barranco Hut is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls. After ascending the almost vertical Barranco Wall to an altitude of about 4 200 m, the footpath crosses through the south-western slopes to reach the Karranga Valley. From here you ascend a ridge along a footpath that leads to Barafu Hut (4 600 m). On a clear day The Saddle and Mawenzi (5 149 m) can be seen to the east.

At around midnight you’ll head up the South East Valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim and eventually reach Uhuru Peak (5 895 m). This stretch offers great views of Rebmann, Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers. From Uhuru Peak you can also see Furtwangler Glacier and the Eastern Ice Fields. Above all, you will also be rewarded with just about the most beautiful African sunrise ever. If you choose to summit via Arrow Glacier, from Lava Tower you will ascend to Arrow Camp (4 800 m). Just before midnight you head up the Western Breach eventually reaching the crater rim – Kibo. The path continues past Furtwangler Glacier and the Crater campsite, to reach Uhuru Peak (5 895 m) you need to ascend a gradual slope that leads to the highest point on Kibo.