8 Days Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route

Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi/ Arusha. A pre-climb briefing can be organized where we will provide you all the information to prepare for your climb. This will include a day to day guide of your climb, the gear required as well as discussing acute mountain sickness and all health and safety on Kilimanjaro.

Transfer from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Machame. After registration and preparations we start our trek into the lush rainforest. There is the possibility of spotting some Black-and-White Colobus monkeys on the way to Machame camp for Dinner and overnight.

Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Montane forest

After a short forest hike we continue a steep ridge passing through open moorlands crossing a large gorge to reach Shira Camp, beautiful views of the Shira Plateau and sometimes Mount Meru. Overnight stay at the camp

Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain before dropping again to reach Barranco camp (This camp is considered by many to be the most beautiful and scenic on Kilimanjaro) for Dinner and overnight.

Distance: About 11 km | Hiking/Descending time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Moorland, Semi desert

Today you will tackle the steepest part of this route – the famous Barranco Wall, also known as the ‘Breakfast Wall’. It’s not as difficult as it looks, and your guide will assist you through this passage in just a little more than an hour. On top of Barranco Wall you can get a glimpse of the southern glaciers of Kibo and take a short rest before continuing towards Karanga Camp. 

This camp is located less than 100 meters higher then Barranco Camp which gives your body some more time to acclimatize to the altitude. After your lunch at the camp you have the option to do a short round trip towards Barafu Camp for further acclimatization, or you can just relax at your camp. Overnight, stay at the camp.

Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast we take the trail that passes through striking alpine desert expanses and leads you to your final camp before the summit hike – the Barafu Camp. You will have some time to relax before the evening meal is served. After dinner you are advised to get as much sleep as possible before summit attempt. 

Distance: About 6 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

After strenuous climbing up the scree and ash paths you should reach Stella point, the crater rim of Kibo. From Stella Point you will head towards the highest camp on Kilimanjaro – the Crater Camp – which is situated at an altitude of 5730m. From here there are breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

The first sunlight marks the start of your final ascent towards the summit. It will be a slow and arduous 2 hours or so before you reach the highest point in Africa, ‘Uhuru Peak’, which towers above anywhere else in Africa at 5895 meters. From the peak, you will be able to see the surrounding summits, glaciers and landscapes being lit up by the warm morning sun – a truly unforgettable experience. 

After a short break and the summit pictures, you will return to Barafu Camp where the rest of the climbing crew will await you. Here you will have some time to rest and a much-needed warm meal will be served. Afterwards, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here you will collect your summit certificate, have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before drive back to Moshi/Arusha to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Hiking time: 3-5 hours | Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast, depart for your next destination, which is optional or can be arranged:

• Safari to the National Parks
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
• Transport to Other Towns in Tanzania i.e. Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
• Nairobi via border town Namanga