8 Days Machame Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family-run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with an inviting atmosphere. Accommodation, a variety of meals, a clean swimming pool, and friendly services are provided. Located just ten minutes’ walking distance from Moshi town centre, Keys Hotel is the most spectacular place one could wish to stay.

Keys Hotel – 2,700 ft (BB)

Walking distance: 11 km / 7 miles

Walking time: 5–7 hours

Altitude gain: 1,180 m / 3,875 ft

After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for Machame Village to collect lunch boxes and begin the trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame Gate) at 1,800 m / 5,905 ft, you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense rainforest before breaking out onto a steep ridge. This route is often muddy and slippery at lower elevations.

As you continue your ascent, you will notice that the tropical forest gradually gives way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking along a ridge, with the left side overlooking the Semira Stream and the right side offering views toward the Weru Weru River. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Your camp is set up on the edge of the forest zone. This camp is used for dinner and overnight. There is little need to rush on this day, as the focus is gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with the porters, who are usually far ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the Afro-montane forest.

Dinner and Overnight: Machame Camp (FB)

Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles

Walking time: 4–6 hours

Altitude gain: 860 m / 2,820 ft

On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak.

Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Your guide will set the pace for the group, deciding when to take short breaks and the best spots to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee.

Upon arrival at Shira Cave Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch and can rest for a few hours before embarking on a short acclimatization hike. Later, you will settle in for the night at this camp.

Dinner and Overnight: Shira Cave Camp (FB)

Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Walking time: 7–8 hours

Altitude gain: 790 m / 2,590 ft (Shira Camp → Lava Tower)

The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). On the way, your guide will choose good spots for the group to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, and nuts (cashews or groundnuts).

At Lava Tower, you will stop for a hot lunch before beginning the descent towards Barranco Camp, crossing the Bastain Stream along the way. You will pass numerous waterfalls, fed by streams from the mountain that converge here to form the Umbwe River.

Barranco Camp is set at almost the same altitude as the previous night. Today is a full-day trek, and you may feel quite tired. Arrival at camp is usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Dinner and Overnight: Barranco Camp (FB)

Elevation: 3,960m / 12,992ft to 4,700m / 15,420ft

Walking Distance: 9 km

Walking Time: 5 – 8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, your first challenge of the day is to climb the Baranco Wall, a striking 600-foot rock face. Your guide will set a steady pace and help you navigate safely. Along the way, there will be scenic spots for short breaks with tea, coffee, popcorn, nuts, and biscuits — either at the top of the wall or soon after — allowing you to enjoy the stunning vistas and catch your breath.

Once over the wall, the terrain becomes easier and incredibly beautiful, with dramatic views of jagged peaks, crags, and crevasses on your left. You will then descend into the Karanga Valley before starting the ascent to Karanga Camp, where a hot lunch will be served. This is a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and enjoy the stunning alpine surroundings before continuing your climb to Barafu Camp.

The final stretch to Barafu Camp is a steady, challenging hike through thin alpine air. You will notice your breaths becoming shorter as you ascend, a reminder of the high altitude. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will experience extreme cold, so it’s best to rest early in preparation for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

Dinner and Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Full Board (FB)

Walking distance: 16–18 km / 10–11 miles (depending on descent route)

Walking time: 13–17 hours total

Altitude gain: 1,195 m / 3,921 ft (Barafu → Uhuru Peak).

You will wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, and your climb will begin at approximately 12:00 AM. This is the most challenging portion of the trek, so climbers should carry as little as possible. Temperatures can range from -4°C to 5°C / 25°F to 41°F.

The climb to Stella Point (5,730 m / 18,800 ft) takes about six hours. From there, it is roughly another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on the African continent.

The track around the crater rim is rocky and often icy, so it is essential to concentrate on your footing and follow your guide closely.

The descent is equally demanding. You will return to Barafu Camp after about three hours, arriving around 11:30 AM, where you can rest and have refreshments.

From Barafu, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) for the night, arriving around 5:00 PM.

Today’s trek covers a total of 13–17 hours of walking.

Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Camp (FB)

Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Walking time: 4–5 hours

Descent: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft

On the final day of the journey, climbers will descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate. The descent takes you through lush rainforest, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. The trek to the gate usually takes about 4–5 hours, and climbers typically arrive before noon.

Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate celebrating your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After the celebration, you will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot showers, a relaxing

Dinner and overnight rest.

End of Services