8 Day Machame Route

DAY 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
• Habitat: Rainforest

After a 3 Hours drive from Arusha we arrive at Machame Gate. We begin the trek through dense rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation, and make our way to Machame Camp by evening.

DAY 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Habitat: Heath

We emerge from the rainforest into a dramatic landscape of heather and moorlands. Crossing ridges and valleys, we reach Shira Plateau and continue to Shira Cave Camp.

DAY 3 – Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Shira to Lava Tower: Elevation 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Lava Tower to Barranco Camp: Elevation 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a climb up to Lava Tower, a 300 ft volcanic structure. After lunch and an essential acclimatization break, we descend to Barranco Camp through a surreal forest of giant senecios.

DAY 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We tackle the impressive Barranco Wall, a 900 ft ascent, followed by a series of hills and valleys leading to Karanga Valley. This day is designed to aid acclimatization with a moderate hike.

DAY 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We trek up to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit, offering diverse views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. After setting up camp, we rest in preparation for our early morning ascent.

DAY 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp

• Elevation Gain: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Elevation Loss: 19,341 ft to 15,331 ft
• Total Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

We set off early, timing our summit approach for sunrise at Stella Point (18,900 ft), where the day’s first light reveals Kilimanjaro’s panoramic landscape. After capturing breathtaking photos at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 7 – Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 10,000 ft
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Heather Zone

After a restful night, we continue our descent to Mweka Camp, where we celebrate our achievement with the entire trekking team.

DAY 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 6,000 ft
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

The final descent leads us to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive certificates to commemorate their accomplishment. We then celebrate with lunch in Mweka Village before returning to Arusha.

Why a Daytime Summit?
Our daytime summit provides an experience aligned with natural rhythms, making the ascent safer, more comfortable, and enriching. Warmer temperatures at dawn and the beauty of a sunrise at high altitude set our approach apart, offering an unmatched, unforgettable adventure.

With Nji Africa Safari, your journey is expertly guided, prioritizing safety and spectacular moments along the way. Join us for an extraordinary climb to the roof of Africa under the light of a new day.