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8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route

Safari overview

Take on the Machame Route, known for its beautiful landscapes and steady acclimatization path. Each day offers unique views, diverse ecosystems, and experiences that make the journey to the summit truly unforgettable.

Kilimanjaro trekking is one of the most popular adventures in Africa, attracting hikers eager to conquer the continent’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. The climb requires no technical mountaineering skills, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. Various routes, such as Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho, offer different levels of challenge and scenery, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial peaks. While the trek is demanding due to high altitude, proper acclimatization and a steady pace increase the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The reward is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and the ultimate sense of achievement.

Safari Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing where our guides will discuss essential details about the trek, conduct a gear check, and answer any questions. It’s a day to relax and prepare for the adventure.

  • Altitude: Arusha sits at about 1,400m (4,593ft).
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
  • Meals: Dinner included

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive to Machame Gate, located at 1,800 meters (5,905ft). Once the formalities are complete, the trek begins through lush rainforest, where you may spot colobus and blue monkeys amid dense foliage. You’ll climb steadily for 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) over 5 to 7 hours, ending the day at Machame Camp at 3,000 meters (9,842ft).

  • Altitude: 1,800m/5,905ft to 3,000m/9,842ft
  • Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Machame Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The day begins with a steeper climb, as you leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. Over the next 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), you’ll ascend to 3,840 meters (12,600ft), with Kibo Peak emerging into view as you reach Shira Camp. This 4 to 6-hour trek is shorter but involves steady elevation gain, offering spectacular vistas.

  • Altitude: 3,000m/9,842ft to 3,840m/12,600ft
  • Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Accommodation: Shira Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is an acclimatization day, involving a climb to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190ft) before descending to Barranco Camp. The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) journey takes 6 to 8 hours and passes through a semi-desert landscape, where you’ll encounter fascinating high-altitude flora. The descent to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters (12,992ft) is key to proper acclimatization.

  • Altitude: 3,840m/12,600ft to 4,630m/15,190ft (Lava Tower), then descend to 3,960m/12,992ft
  • Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Accommodation: Barranco Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, the trek begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable scramble that leads to expansive views across the Karanga Valley. The trail then weaves through ridges and valleys, crossing 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) over 4 to 5 hours before reaching Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,238ft).

  • Altitude: 3,960m/12,992ft to 4,035m/13,238ft
  • Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Accommodation: Karanga Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s journey covers a shorter distance of 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to reach Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223ft). Taking 3 to 4 hours, this trek prepares you for the summit attempt. Once at Barafu, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and review the summit strategy with your guides. The rocky terrain offers panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak as excitement builds for the final ascent.

  • Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
  • Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Accommodation: Barafu Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The summit attempt begins at midnight with a slow ascent to Stella Point, then a final push along the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341ft). The climb covers 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) and takes 10 to 15 hours. Reaching the top at sunrise is the reward of a lifetime, with breathtaking views from Africa’s highest point. After celebrating, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,110 meters (10,204ft) for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

  • Altitude: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,110m/10,204ft
  • Distance: 17km (10.6 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 10-15 hours
  • Accommodation: Mweka Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

On your final trekking day, you’ll descend through lush rainforest for 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over 3 to 4 hours, arriving at Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates before a transfer back to Arusha, where you can celebrate your achievement and relax.

  • Altitude: 3,110m/10,204ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
  • Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
  • Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After a restful night, you’ll transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

  • Meals: Breakfast included

Includes

  • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
  • Two (2) nights’ accommodation in Arusha
  • All park transfers and Park fees
  • Quality mountain camping equipment (tents & sleeping mats)
  • Certified professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
  • Three hot meals daily on the mountain with treated drinking water
  • Safety equipment (oxygen, pulse oximeter, first-aid kit)
  • Portable flush toilet for groups of 4+ (USD 95 extra for smaller groups)

Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
  • Additional accommodation outside the stated itinerary
  • Online payment surcharge of 5% on the remaining balance

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