8-Day Machame Route Itinerary – Mount Kilimanjaro

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport to Hotel in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take this day to relax and prepare for your upcoming trek. You can explore the vibrant city of Arusha or simply rest and rejuvenate in anticipation of the adventure ahead.

Main Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:

Africa Safari Arusha Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• From Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Machame Gate, the starting point of the Machame Route. Here, we will complete the necessary registration and meet the rest of the trekking crew. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, offering a scenic and refreshing start to the trek. We will hike through the dense vegetation, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna. The hike to Machame Camp takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, and upon reaching the camp, we will settle in for the night.

Main Destination:

Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• From Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,600ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

After a hearty breakfast, we will continue our ascent towards Shira Camp. The trail gradually becomes steeper, and as we leave the rainforest behind, we enter the moorland zone. The vegetation becomes sparse, and the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The hike to Shira Camp takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, and upon arrival, we will set up camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

• From Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
• Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 13,000ft (Lava Tower - 15,190ft, acclimatization point)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert

Today, we will embark on a challenging but rewarding hike towards Barranco Camp. The trail takes us to the famous Lava Tower, an important acclimatization point. We will reach an altitude of 15,190 feet before descending to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet. The descent helps our bodies adjust to the altitude, increasing our chances of a successful summit. Along the way, we will encounter spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and unique rock formations. The hike to Barranco Camp takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, and upon arrival, we will set up camp and rest for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• From Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,100ft
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we will tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, a thrilling section that requires some scrambling. Once we conquer the wall, we continue our trek through alpine desert landscapes, surrounded by vast expanses of rocks and boulders. The trail offers magnificent views of the nearby peaks, including Kibo, Mawenzi, and stunning glaciers. We will make our way to Barafu Camp, our final base camp before the summit attempt. The hike to Barafu Camp takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Upon arrival, we will rest and prepare for the summit bid.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak) to 10,000ft
• Distance: 16 km (round trip)
• Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Zone

Today is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. We will start our ascent in the middle of the night, aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, at sunrise. The trail is steep and demanding, and the high altitude presents its own set of challenges. However, with determination and the support of our experienced guides, we will conquer the summit. Standing at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa is an indescribable experience and a moment to cherish. After celebrating our achievement, we will begin our descent back to Barafu Camp. Here, we will take a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, situated at 10,000 feet. The descent can be tiring but is filled with a sense of accomplishment. We will spend the night at Mweka Camp, savouring the memories of our incredible journey.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Mweka gate to Arusha

From Mweka Camp (10,000ft) to Mweka Gate (5,400ft) to Arusha
Elevation (ft): -4,600ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, begin the final leg of your journey as you descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Once you reach the gate, you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates. From there, it's a one-hour hike to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Take this time to reflect on your incredible adventure and celebrate your accomplishment.

Main Destination:

Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Africa Safari Arusha Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure from the Hotel to Airport

From Hotel in Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a restful night in Arusha, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality of Tanzania, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Note: This itinerary is a general guideline and may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, group pace, and the overall fitness of the participants. Your experienced guide will ensure the best possible experience while prioritizing your safety at all times.

Main Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.