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Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Explore Mount Kilimanjaro on the scenic Machame Route, trekking through dense forest, open moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert landscapes on the way to Uhuru Peak. This 8-day hike follows the mountain's classic camps, including Machame, Shira, Barranco, and Barafu, with a sunrise push to Stella Point before reaching the highest point in Africa. The journey begins with travel from Nairobi to Moshi and ends with your descent through Mandara Hut back to Moshi.
Explore Mount Kilimanjaro on the scenic Machame Route, trekking through dense forest, open moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert landscapes on the way to Uhuru Peak.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Leave Nairobi in the morning and drive to the Namanga border town.
Have lunch in Arusha and continue to Moshi for dinner and an overnight stay.
Those arriving by air at Kilimanjaro Airport will be transferred to the hotel in Moshi.
In the morning, drive to Kilimanjaro Park at Machame.
After check-in at the gate, begin the hike through the forest to Machame Hut at 2980 m.
Time: 7 hours
Distance: 18 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Leave the forest behind as the path follows a steep ridge through open moorland, crossing a large gorge to reach Shira Hut.
Overnight stay at the camp.
Time: 6 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Moorland
The route turns eastward, climbing through the dry landscape before descending into the valley to arrive at Barranco Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
En route, have lunch.
Trek time: 7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
Follow the path out of the Barranco Valley and cross the Karanga Valley.
After some distance, turn north toward Barafu Hut.
Dinner and overnight at Barafu Hut.
Trek time: 7 hours
Distance: 13 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Start early for the crater and reach Stella Point in time for sunrise.
After taking photos, proceed to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Later, descend to Gilman's Point and continue to Horombo Hut with the Kilimanjaro trekking guide.
Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Trek time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak.
7/8 hours to descend to Mweka.
Distance: 7 km ascent - 23 km descent.
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Pass by Mandara Hut while descending to the gate.
Transfer to Moshi for an overnight stay.
In the morning, prepare to proceed to the next destination.
Where this trip takes you
Machame Hut, Shira Hut, Stella Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Food
Accommodation
Transport from Nairobi and back
Guides and porters
English-speaking local tour guide
All park entrance fees
Visa
Air ticket
Tip
Personal gear and personal effects
Source of light
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.
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