The 8 Days Machame Route with Crater Camp is the most adventurous and rewarding way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This unique itinerary combines the scenic beauty of the Machame Route with a rare overnight stay at Crater Camp (5,730m), a dramatic, icy wilderness just below the summit.
Crater Camp is the highest campsite on Kilimanjaro, located within the dormant volcano’s crater near Furtwangler Glacier. Spending the night here gives climbers a truly otherworldly experience and a chance to visit Rebmann Glacier, Ash Pit, and other high-altitude geological wonders before summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the following day.
This route is designed for experienced high-altitude trekkers seeking a more challenging climb with the best possible acclimatization. Two acclimatization nights at Barranco and Karanga Camps help prepare you for the extreme altitude of Crater Camp.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary that blends technical challenge, natural beauty, and the rare privilege of sleeping just beneath the Roof of Africa.
| People in Group | 1-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 10+ |
| Standard package | $2,442 | $2,342 | $2,290 | $2,200 |
All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.
The Hotel we are using is between these
You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning after breakfast and head towards Machame Gate which is an easy 45-minute drive from Moshi. At the gate you will be registered by the National Park authorities. Once everything is prepared you can start your trek into the lush rainforest. There is the possibility of spotting some Black-and-White Colobus monkeys on the way to Machame camp, which will take you about 5 to 6 hours to reach. You will spend the night just above the forest line at 3010 meters.
Today the trail will be a somewhat steeper than on day one but it’s is a shorter stretch and you should reach your destination by early afternoon. After some rest you have the option to hike further to Shira 2 Camp for beautiful views of the Shira Plateau. Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania, can be seen in the distance. The night will be spent at New Shira Camp.
Today you will ascend about 700 meters to the striking and rugged Lava Tower before descending again to Barranco Camp. This will give your body a good chance to acclimatize for the following days as you will reach an altitude of over 4600 meters. The landscape will change dramatically over the course of today as you enter the afro-alpine desert close to Lava Tower and then descend back into the lush, green Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is situated just below the imposing Barranco Wall and is reached after about 6 to 7 hours of trekking. This camp is considered by many to be the most beautiful and scenic on Kilimanjaro. You will be treated to a hearty dinner before getting into your sleeping bag for some well-deserved rest.
After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.
The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trail that you will take today passes back through striking alpine desert expanses and leads you to your final camp before the summit hike – the Barafu Camp. This camp will be reached after about 3 to 4 hours and sits at an altitude of 4640 meters. You will have some time to relax before the evening meal is served. After dinner you are advised to get as much sleep as possible before ta testing climb tomorrow
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 5730m. From here there are breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers.
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 (3080m) 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.
After breakfast you will be invited to take part in the traditional farewell ceremony with your mountain crew before the final leg of your climb leads you back through the lush rainforest. A gentle descent of up to 3 hours takes you to Mweka Gate
Drive back to your hotel in Moshi. Hotel
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Meals:Breakfast Included
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Meals:Breakfast Included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.
Flights
Laundry (Available at hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the
Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
Guides: $20/day/guide
Cook: $15/day
Porter: $10/day/porter
Whether you are ready for Tanzania Safari Dream or Kilimanjaro Adventure or Beach Relaxation for a few days or a few weeks long, our experts will create an itinerary from scratch, fully tailored to your wishes. Want to visit a beautiful destination or start an adventure to reach the top, or relax in a paradise, we will make it happen.
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