Mt Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Hiking Experience - Machame Route

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

Gaze at the star-studded Tanzanian skies at night and walk above an endless cover of clouds during the day as you scale the glaciers of Mt. Kilimanjaro to complete one of Africa’s great bucket list toppers. What seemed impossible in your life before, may just seem achievable after you conquer the world’s tallest free-standing mountain!

The Machame route is scenic and more challenging, due to its shorter itinerary, thus is suitable for more adventurous and experienced climbers. You’ll travel through rainforest and ethereal, ancient landscapes as you make your way up to the wild roof of Africa.

Day 1: Mountain Inn Moshi

Arrive in the historical and charming town of Moshi, Tanzania, also known as the Gateway to Kilimanjaro. You’ll arrive at Mountain Inn Lodge, where you’ll meet your mountain guide (and cheerleader for the week!) for a pre-climb briefing. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 2: Machame Gate - Machame Camp (3,000m/9,842ft)

After an early breakfast, begin your 5-7 hour trek from Machame Gate, through the lowest slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and across lush montane forest, stopping enroute for lunch.

Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3,847m/11,200ft)

Today you will cross through the grassy and mysterious moorland, crossing the Shira Plateau, an ancient Caldera that expired over 500,000 years ago. This is a truly awe-inspiring hike across old lands comprised of deep valleys and weather-beaten lava flows, reminiscent of an age-old time filled with magic and wonder.

After a 5-7 hour trek, you will reach Shira Camp, where you’ll settle down for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Shira Camp - Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992 ft)

Continue your trek east, passing through Oehler Ridge amid the cool swirl of clouds which tease you with stunning glimpses of the summit. Pass Lava Tower, an ancient orange-black formation which serves as a constant reminder of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s eruptive past.

Following the 7-8 hour climb, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, where you’ll have dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp (4,650m/15,255 ft)

Today, you’ll have the chance to wander the beautiful, yet strangely fragile alpine desert zone, and meet your biggest challenge: climbing the steep Barranco Wall.

Rising 800m above the valley, this is a truly thrilling experience that guarantees you a heart-stopping view from the top. After the 7-8 hour trek, you’ll reach Barafu camp, where you can put your feet up, have dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341 ft)

At around midnight, beneath a blanket of stars, you’ll start your climb upwards to the summit glaciers, arriving on the crater rim at Stella Point just as the first golden rays of sun break through. Spend an hour trek surrounded by breaktaking ice cliffs, as you ascend to your final summit of Uhuru Peak. Take a minute to breathe in the fresh, cool air, and let the exhilarating realization sink in: you are standing on the roof of Africa.

Begin your descent by returning to Stella Point, tracking back through the heather and moorland to reach Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Mweka Camp - Mountain Inn Moshi

Continue down in a slow, relaxed pace, through the pristine mountain rainforest, enjoying the sights and sounds of this scenic route towards Mweka Gate. Here you’ll be transferred to Mountain Inn in Moshi.

Put your feet up and revel in the excitement of the past few days while enjoying dinner, before retiring for a well-earned rest.

Day 8:

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel to catch your onward flight or safari.

Continue the Adventure With a Tanzanian Safari
Not ready to let the adventure end? Talk to our travel experts about adding a thrilling Tanzanian safari to your itinerary.

Itinerary Costs