8 Days | 7 Nights
Machame Route
Safari Overview
This 8-day trekking adventure follows the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the southern side, the trail takes you through lush rainforests, heath, moorlands, and alpine deserts, offering stunning views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the towering peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
The journey culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend through the Mweka Route, returning to Moshi with unforgettable memories of your adventure.
Safari Destinations
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate.
Number of Day
8 Days | 7 Nights
Detailed Itinerary
+255 780 500 558
Safari Expert
Day by Day
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
The journey from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about an hour, passing through scenic landscapes and the village of Machame. Upon arrival, we complete registration and begin our trek through the lush rainforest.
The path winds through towering trees and dense foliage, with occasional glimpses of monkeys and exotic birds. A steady ascent leads us to Machame Camp, where we settle in for the night.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Heath
Leaving behind the rainforest, we ascend along a steep trail into the heather and moorland zone. The climb offers panoramic views as we navigate rocky ridges. The air becomes crisper, and the vegetation sparse as we reach Shira 1 Camp, located on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is a gradual ascent across the plateau, allowing us to acclimatize while enjoying breathtaking views. We pass through open moorlands with scattered rock formations, crossing small streams and expansive plains before reaching Shira 2 Camp. Here, we take time to rest and adjust to the increasing altitude.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We gradually ascend to the famous Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation, where we pause for lunch and acclimatization. From here, we descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, navigating through the otherworldly Senecio Forest before reaching Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with an exciting climb up the Great Barranco Wall, offering stunning views of glaciers above and the valleys below. Once at the top, we traverse rolling hills and descend into Karanga Valley before making a final ascent to Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue our trek to Barafu Camp, following a rocky trail with little vegetation. Upon arrival, we rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. The barren, windswept landscape offers clear views of Kilimanjaro’s summit, building anticipation for the climb ahead.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Around midnight, we begin our final ascent. The trek is steep and strenuous, taking us past Stella Point, where we witness a breathtaking sunrise. We then push forward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu for a well-earned rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
The final descent leads us back into the rainforest, where we enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air. At Mweka Gate, we receive our summit certificates before heading back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.
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Inclusion
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Hotel or Lodge
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Transport logistics
- Experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, and porters
- Park fees and camping fees
- Bottled water
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats)
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Exclusion
- International flights
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
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