MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMBING – Machame Route (8 Days / 7 Nights)

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7 Days

Starting From

$9455

per person*

Climb Highlights

Route: Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Arusha

Campsites, Lava Tower, summit, and Mweka Gate clearly marked

Accommodation: Tented Camps on Kilimanjaro / Hotel in Arusha
Meal Plan: Full Board on the mountain, Bed & Breakfast in Arusha

Price – 9455

DAY 1

Arrival in Arusha

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Transfer to hotel in Arusha, check-in
  • Overnight at hotel (BB)
DAY 2

Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1800m → 3000m, 11 km, 5–7 hrs)

  • Trek through lush Montane Forest, seeing giant ferns and moss-covered trees
  • Climb along winding ridges with occasional views of Arusha plains
  • Overnight at Machame Camp, dinner included
DAY 3

Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3000m → 3850m, 9 km, 4–6 hrs)

  • Leave rainforest for Moorland zone
  • Pass through heather and giant lobelias
  • Trek crosses rocky ridges and river valleys to Shira Camp
  • Spectacular sunset over Shira Plateau, overnight camping
DAY 4

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3850m → 4600m → 3950m, 12 km, 6–7 hrs)

  • Acclimatization day: ascend Lava Tower (4600m)
  • Panoramic views of Western Breach and surrounding glaciers
  • Descend 650m to Barranco Camp (3950m)
  • Optional photography of Barranco Wall at sunset
  • Overnight camping with full board
DAY 5

Barafu Camp to Summit – Mweka Camp (4600m → 5895m → 3100m, 7 km ascent / 23 km descent, 6–8 hrs ascent / 6–7 hrs descent)

  • Start trek at 23:30 for summit attempt
  • Climb through ice-capped scree terrain toward Stella Point (5732m)
  • Reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) – highest point in Africa
  • Enjoy sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and crater rim
  • Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp (3100m), overnight camping
DAY 6

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Arusha Hotel (3100m → 1800m, 8 km, 3–

  • Trek through Montane Forest, descending past waterfalls and lush greenery
  • Arrive at Mweka Gate, receive summit certificates
  • Transfer to hotel in Arusha, overnight (BB)
DAY 7

Departure

  • • Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for flight
DAY 1

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Arusha Hotel. Settle in and rest. The hotel provides a comfortable base before the climb.

DAY 2

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation gain: 1800m → 3000m. Distance: 11 km. Hiking Time: 5–7 hours.
Drive to Machame Gate, register at the park office, meet your trekking team, and start the ascent through Montane Forest. Trail winds through moss-covered trees and giant ferns, occasionally revealing panoramic views of Arusha Plains. Camp at Machame Camp, dinner served under the stars.

DAY 3

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation gain: 3000m → 3850m. Distance: 9 km. Hiking Time: 4–6 hours.
Leave forest for Moorland with giant lobelias and heather. Trail crosses small valleys and rocky ridges, offering distant views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Overnight at Shira Camp, dinner included.

DAY 4

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3850m → 4600m (Lava Tower) → 3950m (Barranco Camp). Distance: 12 km. Time: 6–7 hours.
Acclimatization day. Ascend Lava Tower (4600m) and enjoy a panoramic lunch. Descend 650m to Barranco Camp at 3950m. Witness the stunning Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall at sunset. Dinner and overnight camping.

DAY 5

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3950m → 4600m. Distance: 13 km. Time: 6–7 hours.
Start with a scramble up Great Barranco Wall, traverse scree ridges through Karanga Valley, ascending to Barafu Camp (4600m). Camp is set up for rest before the summit push. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 6

Barafu Camp to Summit – Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4600m → 5895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3100m. Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent. Time: 6–8 hrs ascent / 6–7 hrs descent.
Wake at 23:30. Trek under starlight through loose scree toward Stella Point (5732m). Reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) for sunrise – Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu and Mweka Camp, enjoying changing ecosystems from Alpine Desert → Moorland → Montane Forest. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

DAY 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Arusha Hotel

Elevation: 3100m → 1800m. Distance: 8 km. Time: 3–4 hrs.
Final descent through lush Montane Forest. Collect summit certificates at Mweka Gate. Transfer to Arusha Hotel for overnight.

DAY 8

Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure

AThe Machame Route is moderately challenging. Daily trekking ranges from 4 to 8 hours, covering diverse terrain such as dense rainforest, open moorlands, rocky ridges, scree slopes, and alpine desert near the summit. While it is suitable for beginners with a good fitness level, climbers should be prepared for steep sections and variable weather conditions.

The climb culminates at Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Reaching the summit offers panoramic sunrise views over the glaciers, volcanic crater, and surrounding plains, making the effort truly rewarding.

Yes. All meals are included on the mountain with full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your trekking team. In Arusha, accommodations are provided on a bed & breakfast basis. Meals are designed to provide sufficient energy for the long days of trekking and are often a highlight of the experience, with warm drinks and snacks available during the climbs.

No previous high-altitude trekking experience is necessary. The Machame Route is designed to allow for proper acclimatization, gradually ascending to higher elevations. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, including regular walking or hiking experience, as some days involve steep climbs and long distances.

Climbers should bring layered clothing to adapt to temperatures ranging from warm days to freezing nights at the summit. Other essentials include trekking poles, sturdy waterproof boots, gloves, hat, rain gear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget personal items like a water bottle, snacks, and a camera to capture the incredible scenery.

Proper acclimatization, hydration, and pacing are key. The Machame Route includes rest stops and acclimatization points like Lava Tower to help your body adjust. Guides monitor all climbers for symptoms and provide advice on altitude management.

Each day presents unique challenges: Montane forest with moss-covered trees on early days, open moorlands and giant lobelias mid-route, rocky ridges and scree slopes approaching the summit, and alpine desert near Uhuru Peak. This variety makes the climb both scenic and physically demanding.

Yes, every group has experienced English-speaking guides and porters who carry camping gear, cook meals, and set up campsites. They also provide support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the trek.

Yes, with proper preparation and adherence to guide instructions, the climb is safe. Emergency protocols are in place, including oxygen support and evacuation plans, and your guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management.

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"An unforgettable climb! Machame Route offered breathtaking scenery and excellent acclimatization."

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"Guides and porters were fantastic; reaching Uhuru Peak was a life-changing experience."

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"Well-organized, with good food and comfortable camps. Highly recommended for all adventurers."