10 Days Machame Route - 8 Days Hiking Tour

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Way 2 Africa Expeditions team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, approximately 50 kilometers from the airport with a driving time of about 1 hour. Arusha sits at the foothills of Mount Meru and serves as the main gateway to northern Tanzania adventures. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, recovery from travel, and a comprehensive Kilimanjaro briefing. Your mountain guide will conduct a detailed equipment check, explain the trekking schedule, altitude expectations, and safety procedures. This relaxed day allows your body to begin adjusting to the local climate while preparing mentally and physically for the climb ahead.

Overnight in Arusha
Meals Dinner

Activities : Trekking

After breakfast, you depart Arusha for Machame Gate, located on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 90 kilometers away with a driving time of 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Machame Gate at 1,800 meters, registration formalities are completed before beginning your trek. The trail leads through dense rainforest, characterized by towering trees, moss-covered trunks, and rich birdlife. This zone often features colobus monkeys and diverse plant species. The hike covers about 11 kilometers and takes 5 to 7 hours, with a steady ascent on well-defined paths. The day ends at Machame Camp at 3,000 meters, where the forest begins to thin and temperatures become cooler.

Overnight at Machame Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

Today’s trek transitions from rainforest into the heath and moorland zone, offering increasingly open views of the mountain. The trail climbs steadily across rocky ridges and rolling terrain toward the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic regions. The distance covered is approximately 5 kilometers, with a trekking time of 4 to 6 hours. As vegetation becomes sparse, giant lobelias and senecios dominate the landscape, creating a surreal alpine environment. You arrive at Shira Camp at 3,840 meters, where wide-open views stretch across the plateau toward Mount Meru in the distance.

Overnight at Shira Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

This day is essential for altitude acclimatization and follows the principle of climb high sleep low. You trek approximately 10 kilometers over 6 to 8 hours, gradually ascending through the alpine desert zone. The highlight is reaching Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, a dramatic volcanic rock formation where lunch is served. After spending time at high altitude, the trail descends into the scenic Barranco Valley, offering spectacular views of glaciers and the imposing Barranco Wall. The descent helps the body adapt while still gaining elevation. You overnight at Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters, often regarded as one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.

Overnight at Barranco Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

The day begins with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, an exciting and non-technical scramble that requires hands-on climbing but no technical equipment. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the southern ice fields and valleys below. The trek continues across undulating terrain to Karanga Camp, covering about 5 kilometers in 4 to 5 hours. This day is shorter but plays a crucial role in further acclimatization. The camp sits at 4,035 meters, offering a quieter atmosphere and preparation for the higher elevations ahead.

Overnight at Karanga Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

Today’s hike is shorter but steeper as you enter the high alpine desert zone. The trail covers approximately 4 kilometers and takes 4 to 5 hours, leading to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The landscape is stark and rocky, with limited vegetation and cooler temperatures. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare mentally and physically for the summit climb, which begins later in the night. Proper hydration and rest are emphasized.

Overnight at Barafu Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

Summit day begins around midnight, with a slow and steady ascent under a star-filled sky. The climb to Stella Point at 5,756 meters takes 6 to 7 hours, followed by a final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an emotional and unforgettable moment, offering sweeping views across the glaciers and the African plains below. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend approximately 12 kilometers to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, a long but rewarding day that takes 10 to 14 hours in total.

Overnight at Mweka Camp
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest on a 10 kilometer trek taking 3 to 4 hours to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Here, you receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates before transferring back to Arusha, approximately 2 hours by road. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation and celebration of your achievement.

Overnight in Arusha
Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Activities : Trekking

This day allows your body to recover fully after the climb. Optional activities include visiting local markets, cultural centers, coffee plantations, or simply relaxing at your lodge. It is also a perfect opportunity to share stories, review photos, and celebrate your successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overnight in Arusha
Meals Breakfast Dinner

Activities : Trekking

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an extraordinary Kilimanjaro Machame Route adventure with Way 2 Africa Expeditions.

Meals Breakfast

Activities : Trekking