Category

Duration
8 Days
Tour Type
Private Tour
Group Size
min 10 People
Tour Guide
2:1
Tanzania

8 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Itinerary via the Machame Route

Package Details

Start on a thrilling adventure with this 8-day Kilimanjaro hiking itinerary via the Machame Route. Renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, the Machame Route offers a comprehensive climbing experience with well-planned acclimatization opportunities. This extended itinerary ensures a gradual ascent, allowing climbers to adapt to the high altitude and enjoy the diverse landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Perfect for those seeking an immersive and scenic journey to the summit, this route provides an unforgettable adventure to Africa's highest peak.

Tour Highlights:

  • Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
  • Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
  • Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
  • Day 4: Barranco Camp - Acclimatization Day
  • Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Day 7: Summit Attempt and Descent to Mweka Camp
  • Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Departure
  • Included
    • Professional guides, assistant guides, porters, and cook
    • Park entrance fees, camping fees, and trekking permits
    • High-quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, dining tents)
    • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • First aid kit and emergency oxygen
    • Summit certificate
    • Optional gear rental (trekking poles, gaiters)
    Excluded
    • International airfare
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa fees
    • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, water bottles, etc.)
    • Optional activities (excursions, sightseeing tours, extended stays)
    • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks)
    • Medical treatment or evacuation costs
    • Extra meals and accommodations outside the package
    • Additional tipping for guides and staff
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    Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

    Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure at the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete park registration and meet your climbing team. Start your trek through the lush rainforest, characterized by dense vegetation and vibrant wildlife. The hike to Machame Camp, situated at 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), takes about 5-6 hours. As you ascend, enjoy the forest ambiance and views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at Machame Camp, settle into your tent, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest for the night.

    Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

    After breakfast, depart Machame Camp and hike towards Shira Camp, located at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet). The trek takes approximately 5-6 hours, involving a challenging ascent followed by a traverse across the Shira Plateau. The higher altitude provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the vast plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, giving you time to acclimatize and relax. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Shira Camp, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

    Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

    On this day, trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,960 meters (12,990 feet). The hike takes around 6-7 hours, including a traverse of the high-altitude desert landscape and passing the Lava Tower. This route offers excellent acclimatization benefits as you hike high and sleep lower. Arrive at Barranco Camp, nestled in the Barranco Valley with views of the Barranco Wall. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, with the opportunity to marvel at the dramatic landscape.

    Day 4: Barranco Camp - Acclimatization Day

    Take a day for acclimatization at Barranco Camp. After breakfast, embark on a day hike to explore the surrounding areas, including a trek up the Barranco Wall for stunning views of Kilimanjaro. This acclimatization day helps your body adjust to the altitude while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. Return to Barranco Camp in the afternoon for a relaxing lunch and downtime. Spend the night at Barranco Camp, preparing for the next day's ascent.

    Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Begin your trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,240 feet). The hike involves climbing the Barranco Wall and then traversing a relatively flat trail to Karanga Camp. The trek takes approximately 4-5 hours, and the terrain transitions from rocky paths to alpine meadows. Arrive at Karanga Camp, where you can relax and enjoy the high-altitude environment. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Karanga Camp.

    Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    After breakfast, trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, situated at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). The hike takes about 4-5 hours and involves ascending through alpine terrain. Barafu Camp serves as the base camp for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the challenging climb ahead. Enjoy an early dinner and a short rest, as the summit attempt will begin in the early hours of the following morning. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

    Day 7: Summit Attempt and Descent to Mweka Camp

    Start your summit attempt from Barafu Camp around midnight. The climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), involves navigating steep and icy slopes. The ascent takes several hours, but reaching the summit provides breathtaking sunrise views and a profound sense of achievement. After celebrating and taking photos at Uhuru Peak, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent takes approximately 5-7 hours, including a break at Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Departure

    After breakfast at Mweka Camp, complete your final descent to Mweka Gate. The trek takes about 3-4 hours through lush rainforest, offering a final opportunity to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems. Upon reaching the gate, complete the park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your accommodation in Arusha, concluding your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.

    This 8-day Kilimanjaro climbing itinerary via the Machame Route provides a thorough and rewarding climb, ensuring ample time for acclimatization and exploration. With its diverse terrain and stunning scenery, this itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Mount Kilimanjaro.