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8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route

Safari overview

This extended version of the Machame Route allows for a comfortable ascent and added acclimatization time, enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak with ease. This option is perfect for trekkers seeking a balanced pace.

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 is an acclimatization day at Karanga Camp. You’ll take short hikes in the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. This day is essential for improving your chances of success on the summit. Relax, enjoy the views, and prepare for the next stages.

  • Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft
  • Distance: Minimal hiking for acclimatization
  • Accommodation: Karanga Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a restful day, you’ll continue your ascent, trekking 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) over 3 to 4 hours to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223ft). Positioned on a rocky ridge, Barafu is the base for your final summit attempt. Prepare gear and rest early for the midnight climb.

  • 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 final ascent begins at midnight, taking you first to Stella Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341ft). After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,110 meters (10,204ft), covering 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) in 10 to 15 hours.

  • 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 last trekking day, descend 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over 3 to 4 hours through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Our team will then transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha to celebrate and unwind.

  • 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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