Overview

The 8 Days Machame Route is an exciting and scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The route takes you through several distinct ecological zones, beginning in the lush montane rainforest and continuing through the moorlands, Shira Plateau, alpine desert and high-altitude volcanic landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. The extra time provided by this itinerary allows for a gradual ascent and good opportunities for acclimatization. You will also experience the famous Barranco Wall, Lava Tower, Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp before making the final push to the summit. The climb begins at Machame Gate and finishes at Mweka Gate. Accommodation on the mountain is in mountain tents, with meals prepared by the trekking crew. All Kilimanjaro climbs are conducted with a licensed guide and follow the regulations of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha or Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel and enjoy the surroundings. Before the trek begins, your mountain guide will meet you for a pre-climb briefing. You will receive important information about the route, daily hiking schedule, mountain conditions and safety procedures. Your trekking equipment will also be checked to make sure you have everything required for the climb. Take the evening to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast, you will drive from your hotel to Machame Gate, the starting point of the Machame Route. Once you arrive, your guide will complete the park registration while the trekking team prepares the equipment.

The hike begins through the beautiful montane rainforest. The trail follows a steady uphill path surrounded by tall trees, thick vegetation, moss and forest flowers. You may also hear different bird species along the way. As you gain altitude, the forest gradually becomes less dense. After several hours of walking, you will reach Machame Camp, where your mountain crew will have prepared your tent and dinner.

Altitude: 1,800 m to approximately 3,000 m
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing toward the Shira Plateau. The trail becomes steeper as you pass through heath and moorland vegetation. The landscape changes dramatically, with giant heathers, rocky ridges and wide-open views replacing the dense forest. As you approach Shira Camp, you will have beautiful views across the plateau and, weather permitting, distant views of Mount Meru and the surrounding Tanzanian landscape. After reaching camp, you will have time to rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next stage of the climb.

Altitude: Approximately 3,000 m to 3,840 m
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today is an important acclimatization day as you climb higher before descending to sleep at a lower elevation. After breakfast, you cross the Shira Plateau and continue east toward Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you enter the alpine desert zone. Lava Tower rises to approximately 4,600 m and provides an important opportunity for your body to experience a higher altitude. After lunch around the Lava Tower area, you begin descending toward the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach gives you valuable acclimatization time. The trail eventually brings you to Barranco Camp, located beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. The evening offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Altitude: Approximately 3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barranco Wall – Karanga Camp

Wake up to impressive views of the Barranco Wall. After breakfast, you begin the climb up this famous section of the Machame Route. The Barranco Wall may look intimidating from below, but the trail involves careful scrambling and steady walking rather than technical climbing. Your guide will assist you along the route and help you choose the safest path. Once you reach the top, you will have excellent views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. You then continue through a series of ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp. The day’s relatively short distance gives you time to walk at a comfortable pace and continue acclimatizing.

Altitude: Approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert/moorland

Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you leave Karanga Camp and continue toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail passes through increasingly dry and rocky alpine terrain. As you approach Barafu, vegetation becomes very limited and the environment feels much more rugged. Once you arrive at Barafu Camp, your guide will provide a briefing about the summit attempt. You will have time to organize your summit equipment, eat an early dinner and rest. The summit hike will begin during the night, so it is important to use the afternoon to relax and conserve your energy.

Altitude: Approximately 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Distance: Approximately 4–6 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the climb. You will begin the summit attempt during the early hours of the morning. The trail takes you slowly upward over rocky terrain toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The climb requires patience and steady pacing. From Stella Point, you continue around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have time for photographs and to enjoy the achievement, depending on weather and your condition. After the summit, you descend toward Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing down toward Mweka Camp. The descent brings you back into lower elevations and eventually into the upper forest zone.

Altitude: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → approximately 3,080 m
Distance: Approximately 13–15 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic/high alpine zone, alpine desert and rainforest

Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha or Moshi

After breakfast, you begin the final descent through the beautiful montane rainforest. The trail becomes greener and easier as you lose altitude. After several hours, you arrive at Mweka Gate, where you complete the park exit procedures. After collecting your certificate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew before being transferred back to Arusha or Moshi. Your 8-day Mount Kilimanjaro adventure ends with memories of the landscapes, challenges and achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Altitude: Approximately 3,080 m to 1,630 m
Distance: Approximately 9–10 km
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 8 Days Machame Route Trek

After reaching Mweka Gate, you will be transferred back to Arusha or Moshi. From here, you can continue with your Tanzania safari, Zanzibar holiday, or onward travel.

Accommodation on the Mountain

Accommodation during the trek is provided in mountain tents at designated campsites. Machame is a camping route rather than a hut-based route, unlike the Marangu Route.

Important Note

Trekking times, distances, camp locations and altitude figures can vary slightly depending on the exact route conditions and the operating arrangements of the trekking company. Your mountain guide will make the final decisions regarding pacing, rest stops and safety during the climb.