Machame Route: 8 days including 7 days / 6 nights in the mountain

The Galago team welcomes you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, then ensures your transfer to your hotel in Moshi, at the foot of the famous massif.

The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and recover after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest at the hotel or take a first opportunity to discover the atmosphere of Moshi at your own pace.

Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, located at 1,500 m altitude. You progress through a dense and humid forest, where lush vegetation accompanies your first steps on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail crosses a living environment, rhythmed by the sounds of the forest, streams and the presence of wildlife, notably monkeys visible in the canopy.

This first day allows you to gradually immerse yourself in the landscapes of the massif. At the end of the stage, you reach Machame Hut camp, where you settle in for the night in a peaceful atmosphere, conducive to rest and acclimatization.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +1400 m

Walking time: 5 to 7 hours

At first light, after breakfast, you resume your progression on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The route gradually leaves the dense forest to give way to more open landscapes, as you gain altitude towards the Shira plateau.

The climb takes you through a mineral and open environment, offering wide panoramas over the massif and surrounding reliefs. This stage marks a transition in the landscapes, between high-altitude vegetation and vast expanses.

Upon arrival at Shira Hut, you settle in for the night in a peaceful setting, conducive to rest and acclimatization, as the light fades over the plateau.

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: +900 m

Walking time: 4 to 6 hours

You continue your ascent towards Barranco Hut Camp, hiking across the slopes of Kilimanjaro in the heart of high mountain landscapes. The route crosses an environment marked by steep reliefs, ridges and deep valleys, offering varied views of the massif.

After 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you reach the site of Barranco Hut, located at the bottom of an enclosed valley. Access is via a downhill trail, sometimes steep. This stage plays an important role in acclimatization to altitude, an essential phase for the rest of the ascent.

Once settled at the camp, you enjoy a well-deserved rest and the end-of-day light on the glacier. The summit of Kilimanjaro now looms on the horizon.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +100 m / -200 m

Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours

You leave the Karanga valley to continue your progression towards the heights of the massif. The trail crosses a mineral landscape with desert-like appearance, while you gradually gain altitude towards Barafu Hut, the base camp for the final ascent.

After 6 to 7 hours of walking, you reach Barafu Hut. The team takes care of setting up the bivouac while you take time to observe the surrounding reliefs. From the camp, the route leading to the summit is already visible.

At the end of the day, you have dinner before resting early. A short night awaits you, as the departure for the final ascent is planned very early in the night.

Distance: 4 km Elevation gain: +650 m

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

This day is devoted to acclimatization to altitude, in an environment where vegetation becomes scarcer. The landscape is marked by the presence of lobelias and groundsels, characteristics of the high-altitude zones of Kilimanjaro.

You will undertake a walk of approximately 5 to 6 hours towards Mount Mawenzi, with a progression to 4,500 meters. This stage plays an essential role in preparing your body for high-altitude conditions for the remainder of the climb.

We then descend to the Horombo site to spend the night there.

Final ascent.

Departure is scheduled around 1 am to undertake the most demanding stage of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. In the light of your headlamps, you progress slowly through the darkness towards the summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. The climb is done at a steady pace on a steep slope, in a high-altitude environment where each step requires attention.

After approximately five hours of effort, you reach Stella Point, located at 5,800 m. The first light of day reveals the crater's relief and the surrounding landscapes.

You then have one final stretch of approximately one hour to reach Uhuru Peak. You reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 m altitude, the highest point in Africa. The objective of the ascent is achieved.

After enjoying the moment at the summit and taking time to recover, you begin your descent towards Mweka camp. The return takes a different trail, allowing you to lose altitude quickly.

The progression requires vigilance, but the air richer in oxygen makes the effort progressively more comfortable. After several hours of hiking, you reach the camp, where a well-deserved rest awaits you after this particularly demanding day.

Distance: 19 km (7 km to Uhuru, 12 km to Mweka)

Elevation gain/loss: +1245 m / -2795 m

Hiking time: 12 to 15 hours (6 to 8 hours to Uhuru, 5 to 7 hours to Mweka)

You continue your descent to Mweka Gate, the official exit point of the park. This final stage allows you to gradually leave the high-altitude landscapes and find denser vegetation as you lose altitude.

Upon arrival, you take time to say goodbye to the team that accompanied you throughout the climb. The presentation of certificates marks the completion of your Kilimanjaro ascent.

You are then transferred to Moshi, where a comfortable room awaits you for one last night of rest before your departure.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation loss: -1,400 m

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours