The Machame Route

Tanzania, 9 Nights

Reputed to be one of the most scenic routes, this is entirely justified, with the sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to Meru and the impressive Barranco Valley, the Machame route is praised by all who climb it.

Day 1 - London/Arusha
Board your Kenya Airways to Kilimanjaro. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Mountain Village - a Serena property located just outside of Arusha town.

Day 2 - Arusha/Mount Kilimanjaro
Drive to Machame gate to begin your climb through forested terrain. Overnight Machame Camp.

Day 3 - Mount Kilimanjaro
Ascend to Shira Camp for your next overnight.

Day 4 - Mount Kilimanjaro
Today's route takes you across the Shira Plateau to Baranco Camp.

Day 5 - Mount Kilimanjaro
Continue your trek to Karanga Camp at 3900m.

Day 6 - Mount Kilimanjaro
A short trek and day of acclimatisation as you near the mountain's peak at Barafu Camp. You camp at 14,764 feet.

Day 7 - Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
A long day of trekking! You begin in the small hours of the morning to start the final ascent past Stella Point on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater. Watch the sunrise and then, if you wish, continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet). The air is rarefied and the climb takes at least five hours. You then begin the knee-weakening descent to your last campsite on the mountain. Mweka Camp is at 10,171 feet.

Day 8 - Mount Kilimanjaro/Arusha
Continue your descent to the base of the mountain where you arrive, exhausted but exhilarated. You will be transferred to Mountain Village where a day room is ready for you to relax before an evening transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to London Heathrow, arriving early the following day.