Machame Route 8 Days package is perfect and exhilarating journey for both seasoned adventurers and first-time high altitude climbers. It offers excellent acclimatisation, making for a high success rate. You’ll approach the peaks of Kilimanjaro from the southwest, passing the massive expanse of the Shira Plateau, the imposing peaks of the Lava Tower, and the spectacular Southern Ice Field. On the way, you’ll make rare contact with exotic wildlife in untouched wilderness surroundings. All while enjoying a smooth and gradual acclimatization process.  

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha 

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation. Orientation will take place at the hotel and our guides will highlight all the important details regarding your trek and an inspection of your trekking gear will take place. Dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 2: Arusha to Machame gate to Mandara Machame Camp 
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,935 feet) Hiking time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 9km 

Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and you depart Arusha for the Machame park Gate, the start of numerous Kilimanjaro climbing routes. After registering at the gate office and the meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs. You start your ascent and enter the rainforest. Here you’ll venture across spectacular terrain, including tropical rainforests and grasslands. Catch glimpses of wild animals and exotic plant species as you move through moss-covered forest underpasses. Travel into drier terrain surrounded by high grasses and fields of sprouting wildflowers. You’ll then stop and admire a view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mighty summit, Kibo Peak. All the while, your porters and cooks prepare the camp ready for your arrival. 

 
Day 3: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP  
Machame Camp (3010 meters) to Shira Camp (3840 meters), distance is 5 kms, Hiking time: 4–5 hours 

You’ll wake up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. You climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. 

After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Finish the day at Shira Camp where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey. 
 
Day 4: SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP 
Shira Camp (3840 meters) to Barranco Camp (3960 meters), Hiking time 6-7 hours distance 15 km. 

Now more than halfway through one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes, you’ll encounter the most varied and rewarding stretch so far. Definitely the toughest day so far with symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. A hike eastwards towards the gorgeous Shira Plateau along ever-steeper terrain. The highlight of your day will be the approach towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a looming passageway. Then you’ll take a rapid descent towards the Barranco campsite, famous for being the most scenic one on the route. You’ll set up for the night surrounded by the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you enjoy a hot, steaming meal. 

 
Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO Barafu CAMP  

Barranco Camp (3960 meters) to Barafu Camp (4,600 meters), Hiking time 7–8 hours distance 8 km. 

The day before your final ascent is filled with thrilling exploration and adventure.  

Start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb. Traverse through valleys and ridges on the way to Karanga valley. Spectacular and stunning views of the southern glacier of Kibo Mawenzi Peaks. You will stop and have an energy-dense dinner in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit. 

 
Day 6: BARAFU CAMP (4,673M) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M) TO MWEKA CAMP (3,100M) 

Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) Walking Time: 14-16 hours Distance: 17km 

At around midnight, you’ll rise to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Journey amid gleaming glaciers to Stella Point while the sun rises, illuminating the amazing peaks of the summit. Celebrate with your team and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot, steaming breakfast. The walk back to Mweka Camp from the summit can take over 7 hours where you’ll spend the night. 

Day 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE  

Mweka Camp (3100 meters) to Mweka Gate (1500 meters), descending time 3-4 hours distance 10km. 

After breakfast, you’ll stroll towards Mweka Gate through gorgeous forest scenery draped in cloud and mist to the Mweka village which is normally a muddy. You will be picked up at the gate driven back to your hotel in Arusha where it will be good time for celebration and recuperation.  

Day 8: Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) 

After a day of a leisurely exploring Arusha town, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.