8-Day Machame Route Climbing Kilimanjaro

• Meet our dedicated driver upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), holding a sign with your name.

• Enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha.

• Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal.

• Later, our experienced mountain coordinators and your guide will provide a pre-trekking briefing about your upcoming Kilimanjaro expedition.

• After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you’ll begin a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha to Machame Park Gate.

• Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your lunch pack.

• The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where conditions may be muddy and slippery if it has rained.

• The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete.

• In the evening, the porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares your dinner.

• With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

• After breakfast at Machame Camp, start your trek towards Shira Camp.

• Hike distance: approximately 5 km (3 mi).

• Walking time: around 4 to 5 hours.

• The trail begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views as you climb.

• As you approach Shira Camp, you will walk along a ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

• Upon arrival at Shira Camp, our porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch.

• You will have time to relax and acclimate before dinner.

• In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s hike.

Elevation: 3050 m (9950 ft) to 3850 m (12,600 ft). Habitat: Moorland.

• After breakfast at Shira Camp, begin a challenging trek to Lava Tower (4,630 m).

• Hike 11 km in 6 to 7 hours across rocky, semi-desert terrain.

• Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower.

• Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).

• Descent takes about 2 hours and offers views of the Western Breach.

• At Barranco Camp, the team sets up your tents and prepares dinner.

• In the evening, your guide briefs you on the next day’s trek.

Elevation: 3850 m/12,600 ft to 4000 m/13,000 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 mi
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

• After an early breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep yet rewarding climb with incredible views.

• From the top, descend into the lush Karanga Valley and have lunch at Karanga Camp.

• After a short rest, continue trekking toward Barafu Camp through varied terrain and stunning landscapes.

• Upon arrival at Barafu, the porters will set up camp while you rest and enjoy dinner prepared by our chef.

• In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt.

• Rest well, as the final ascent starts later in the night.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Wake up around 11:30 PM and begin the ascent after tea and biscuits.

• Head northwest and climb through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.

• Trek about 6 hours to Stella Point (5685m), often the most mentally and physically challenging section.

• Take a brief rest at Stella Point and, weather permitting, enjoy a magnificent sunrise.

• Continue with a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak.

• Summit time depends on the weather; do not linger too long due to cold and fatigue.

• Descend to Barafu in about 3 hours for a short rest.

• Continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft; down to 3090m/10,150ft

• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

• After breakfast at Mweka Camp, descend to Mweka Gate and drive back to Outpost Lodge Arusha for a hot meal and a refreshing shower.

• At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes are available at the hotel.

• If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel.

• After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available.

• We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest

• After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your departure.

• If you would like to extend your adventure, you can add a day trip to your itinerary to explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture.

• For more details, please visit our Day Trip page.

• Alternatively, continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar.

• Whether you are seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or exploring the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone.

• Visit our Zanzibar page to find the perfect package for your next excursion.

• If you are interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our safari options.