8 Days

Machame Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari
  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

8 Days Machame Route

The 8-day Machame Route luxury trek offers a private, all-inclusive Kilimanjaro experience. Staying at Kosovo Camp (4,870m), trekkers enjoy panoramic views, enhanced acclimatization, and an early summit start. This route combines adventure, comfort, and safety, allowing climbers to fully embrace the challenge while immersing themselves in the mountain’s breathtaking landscapes.

7 Days Tanzania Safaris

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp | 11 km / 7 mi

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 | 5 km / 3 mi

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp | 7 km / 5 mi

Day 4: Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | 10 km / 6 mi

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp: 5.2km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp | 5 km / 3 mi

Day 7: Kosovo Camp to Summit to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp | 17 km / 10.5 mi

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | 10 km / 6 mi

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp | 11 km / 7 mi
Machame Gate to Machame Camp | 11 km / 7 mi

Depart Moshi at 8:30 AM for Machame Gate, passing coffee farms and local villages. Meet your guides, porters, and cooks for the week-long trek. Start hiking through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest with moss-draped trees and vibrant vegetation. The forest gradually gives way to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Porters set up Machame Camp in advance. Arrive, settle in, and enjoy your first night immersed in Africa’s wilderness, preparing for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 | 5 km / 3 mi
Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 | 5 km / 3 mi

Although short, today’s trek includes uphill sections with scenic viewpoints of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and surrounding plains. Drink plenty of water as the trail is exposed in sunny weather. Observe high-altitude plants like Lobelia deckenii and Senecio kilimanjari. Cross the Shira Plateau, formed by ancient lava flows, offering expansive views. Arrive at Shira Camp 2, relax, and acclimatize. Enjoy the quiet environment, prepare for higher elevations, and marvel at Kilimanjaro’s beauty.

Overnight: Shira Camp 2

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp | 7 km / 5 mi
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp | 7 km / 5 mi

Leave Shira 2 Camp and enter high-altitude moorlands. The trail has undulating paths and rocky sections, with spectacular views of the rugged terrain. Unique flora distinguishes this area from the rainforest below. Moir Hut Camp provides a peaceful, remote setting for acclimatization. Relax, connect with fellow trekkers, and reflect on your progress. This campsite allows for rest and preparation for more challenging trekking days ahead, ensuring energy reserves and a strong foundation for summit day.

Overnight: Moir Hut Camp

Day 4: Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | 10 km / 6 mi
Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | 10 km / 6 mi

Trek from Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower, a volcanic formation with panoramic views. The ascent helps with acclimatization. Descend through Barranco Valley, a lush area with unique vegetation and wildlife. Arrive at Barranco Camp, widely considered the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route. Spend the evening resting and enjoying the landscape. This day combines physical challenge with stunning scenery, preparing climbers for the Barranco Wall, an iconic ascent that follows the next day.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 5 km / 3 mi
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 5 km / 3 mi

Begin by ascending the Great Barranco Wall, offering incredible views of Heim Glacier and clouds below. Though intimidating in appearance, the climb is easier than expected. Descend into Karanga Valley, a picturesque area ideal for acclimatization. The short distance allows time for rest and observation of the surrounding flora and fauna. Karanga Camp offers a peaceful environment for reflection and preparation. Today balances challenge and acclimatization, helping climbers build strength and stamina for higher altitudes.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp | 5 km / 3 mi
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp | 5 km / 3 mi

Wake early to enjoy views of Kibo Peak and a hearty breakfast. Trek across arid landscapes to Barafu Camp, observing Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Continue to Kosovo Camp at 4,870 meters, less frequented and strategically positioned for summit day. Rest, have an early dinner, and acclimatize. Kosovo Camp offers a quiet night with quality sleep, preserving energy for the midnight ascent. Prepare mentally and physically for the most challenging day of your Kilimanjaro trek.

Overnight: Kosovo Camp

Day 7 - Kosovo Camp to Summit to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp | 17 km / 10.5 mi
Kosovo Camp to Summit to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp | 17 km / 10.5 mi

Start the midnight summit climb from Kosovo Camp with tea and snacks. Ascend challenging terrain past Lebmann and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. Pause briefly for sunrise views if weather permits, then continue to Uhuru Peak. After summiting, descend to Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp. Use gaiters and trekking poles for loose gravel. Enjoy dinner and reflect on the remarkable achievement of reaching Africa’s highest peak.

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | 10 km / 6 mi
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | 10 km / 6 mi

Descend through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest to Mweka Gate, taking care on slippery sections. Upon arrival, vehicles transport you back to Moshi. Purchase souvenirs or refreshments, commemorating your trek. Reflect on the incredible journey, personal achievement, and breathtaking scenery. The descent offers final glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s forests, flora, and wildlife. Celebrate completing the Machame Route while enjoying a sense of accomplishment and memories of Africa’s highest peak, its diverse landscapes, and the unforgettable experiences along the way.

Includes & Excludes

Include & Exclude
Tanzania

Mid Range

Starting From $pp

Luxury Ranger

Starting From $pp

Top Luxury

Starting From $pp
Itinerary Outline

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