8-Night Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

After an early breakfast, check out and drive approximately 2 hours to Machame Gate, where you'll enjoy a packed lunch. After registration, continue along a 4x4 track to the trailhead, where your trek begins through the lush rainforest zone with your guide. Experience the rich flora and fauna as you follow a winding path to your first camp.

Meal Plan: Half Board
Accommodation: Machame Camp (3,010m / 9,875ft)

After an early breakfast, embark on a short hike through the Heather and Moorland zone, ascending a steep ridge to the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak, the tallest cone on Kilimanjaro and your ultimate goal, as well as the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. In the distance, you might also catch a glimpse of Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, Mount Meru (4,563m / 14,970ft).

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Shira Two Camp (3,845m / 12,615ft)

After an early breakfast, begin your hike toward the Kibo cone, steadily ascending through the alpine desert to reach Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft), your first high-altitude checkpoint. From Lava Tower, descend steeply in an anti-clockwise direction around Kibo into the scenic Barranco Valley, passing by the striking Kilimanjaro Senecios, large flowering cacti unique to this region.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,960m / 12,990ft)

After an early breakfast, begin your ascent of the Barranco Wall, a thrilling non-technical scramble that offers a taste of mountain climbing without the need for experience or advanced equipment. Enjoy stunning views of the Heim Glacier and a look back at Barranco Camp from the top. Continue hiking through the alpine desert, winding around the mountain until you descend into the Karanga Valley, followed by a short ascent to your camp for the night.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (4,040m / 13,255ft)

After an early breakfast, continue your climb through the barren alpine desert, maintaining a slow, steady pace even as the path remains moderate. As you approach Kibo, you'll catch a glimpse of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak, to the east. Spend the remainder of the day resting at Barafu Camp, preparing for your summit attempt later that night.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,225ft)

At around midnight, begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, trekking through the arctic zone. The steep hike over loose volcanic scree, taken in a slow, zigzag pattern, will lead you to Stella Point (5,685m / 18,650ft) on the Kibo crater rim. From there, a short but challenging climb takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After a brief time at the summit, descend back to the base camp for breakfast or brunch. After a recovery meal, continue your descent through the alpine desert, Heather and Moorland zones, eventually reaching Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone for a well-deserved rest.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (3,080m / 10,105ft)

Day 8: Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, check out from Mweka Camp and descend through the southern rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, meet your driver and begin the 3-hour transfer back to Arusha. Once in Arusha, you'll be dropped off at your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Meal Plan: Half Board
Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel (Deluxe Mount Meru View)