8-Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike – Machame Route.

Start & End Point: Arusha, Tanzania
Route: Machame Gate → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

This 8-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike in Tanzania is via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit. It gives you solid acclimatization time and epic views the whole way up. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest standalone mountain in the world and one of the best for mountaineering activities. You cannot just miss out on the fun and adventure that comes with spending 7 days off the ground. The trip starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania.

 Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)

Today our driver guide will meet and brief you on how the trip will transpire. Afterward, drive to Machame Gate for the briefing and start of the 5–7 hour hike. You will cover approximately 11 km through rainforest cover in a lush jungle, offering possible sightings of tropical birds and different primates like monkeys and baboons. You will arrive at Machame Camp in the evening for dinner and a nap.

Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Wake up to a tasty cup of coffee and thereafter hit the road on a 5 km hike through moorland. Traverse the forest through the ridges with the view of the Shira Plateau. You will get to your camp in the evening, settle in for dinner and a campfire. Dinner and overnight mark the end of the day.

Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Start your day with a hefty breakfast meal at the lodge. After, keep the pace on a 10 km hike through the alpine desert. Today’s hike will last for 6–8 hours as you experience different altitudes at the Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp. End this day with dinner and sweet slumber.

Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)

After breakfast, you will start the 4–5 hour hike on a 5 km route. This is through the rocky terrain of Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp. Look through the open clouds to the distant scenery, mountain summits, and the breathtaking scenery. Lunch will be served at one of the stops, and an evening arrival at your lodge for dinner and sweet slumber.

Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,640m)

After breakfast, the hike continues for 3–4 hours through the alpine desert. You will cover a 4 km distance to Barafu Camp. Arrive early and have enough rest while waiting for the early start of the summit hike. You will sleep early to wake up on time.

Day 6: Summit Day! Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

At 1:00 AM, you will start the summit hike with torches providing light. It is the most demanding day of the hike, as you have to reach the summit before sunrise and cover a hike time of approximately 12–15 hours. Get to Africa’s roof (Uhuru Summit) at sunrise, take photos, and thereafter descend to Mweka Camp for lunch, refreshment, dinner, and a nap.

Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m)

After breakfast, you will proceed to descend to Mweka Gate through a rainforest. Our driver guide will welcome you and see the reward of a certificate of successful summit hike. The distance you will cover during the hike is 10 km on a 3–4 hour hike. Drive to your lodge for refreshment and relaxation. End the day with dinner and a nap.

Day 8: Arusha City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge for a transfer to Arusha city to explore the historical, cultural, and shopping sites in the city. Have your last meal in Arusha and transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination or home.

End of Safari