Climb Kilimanjaro: The Machame Route

Standing sentinel over Tanzania’s vast living landscape is dark, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro — its presence beautiful, serene, yet foreboding. “Kili” is the tallest peak in Africa and the largest free-standing mountain in the world, which makes climbing it a classic adventure by any measure. Settle into your hotel on the outskirts of Arusha National Park and enjoy a good night's rest as one of only 12 guests on this epic journey.

In preparation for the climb ahead, acclimatize as you walk through Arusha National Park. Situated between the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this scenic park houses a wide range of habitats, from its string of crater lakes populated by waterfowl to its highland montane forest and imposing summit views. The forest harbors a wealth of wildlife, including frolicking black-and-white colobus monkeys and regal bushbucks. This evening, sit down to a welcome dinner with fellow guests.

Drive from Arusha to the Machame village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to begin your climb along the challenging and scenic Machame Route. Hike for about six hours through dense rubber-tree and giant-fig forests to your camp, set up near huts once used for shelter. As you make your way up through the forested terrain, keep an eye out for elephants. Settle into your first camp, poised at an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Awaken early to a piping-hot cup of coffee or tea. As you leave camp, absorb the commanding view of Uhuru Peak. Trek out of the forest up to the hagenia zone (upper limit of forest growth) through a savanna of tall grasses and haunting volcanic lava landscapes. After a six-hour hike, arrive at the Shira Plateau and your camp. At 12,500 feet, it boasts sweeping views across the Maasai Steppe to distant Mount Meru and the Shira Needles.

During a six-hour hike, skirt the Shira Plateau toward the Kibo Massif, continuing upward to the Lava Tower (15,000 feet). Descend toward Barranco Camp through the immense, waterfall-punctuated Grand Barranco canyon, which is fed by streams from the Umbwe River. Today's camp is situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet.

Hike for about five hours along the Barranco Cliff with no increase in elevation. This allows you time to rest and adjust to the increasingly higher altitudes. In the afternoon, you may hike in the Karanga Valley, set beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Decken and Kersten glaciers.

Take a three-to-four-hour trek on another day of acclimatization as you near the mountain's peak, stopping at Kosovo Camp (15,980 feet), located in an alpine desert at times swept by strong winds and yet, in the evening, yielding splendid views of Mawenzi, Mount Kilimanjaro's second highest summit. Turn in early this evening — tomorrow, you make an early start for the summit.

Rise very early to a hot cup of coffee or tea before setting out on 12 to 16 hours of trekking today. Should all go as planned, you will stand at the highest point in Africa in about seven hours' time. Make your way up a winding path flanked by the towering Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers to soaring Stella Point, found at 18,630 feet on the rim of Kibo Crater. As the sun rises, continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa, where the air is rarefied. Savor your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, and then descend to your last campsite (10,200 feet).

Continue your descent to the base of the mountain, walking for two to three hours, to rendezvous with your A&K driver, who greets and transports you back to Arusha. During a farewell dinner, celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow guests.

Relax in a comfortable dayroom until you privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.