8 Days Machame Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a La Pisada Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. Take the evening to rest and prepare for your trek. A full-board meal plan is provided.

Overnight stay at Springlands Hotel, Moshi – Full Board

After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, depart from Moshi and drive approximately 45 minutes to Machame Gate (1,800m). Upon arrival, register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before beginning the climb. The trail winds through dense rainforest with towering trees and rich vegetation. Look out for blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys along the way. The climb is steady but eases as you near Machame Camp.

Elevation Gain: 1,800m / 5,900ft to 3,000m / 9,800ft
 
Distance: 11km / 7mi
 
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start the day with a steep climb through the forest before transitioning into the moorland zone. Along the way, reach Picnic Rock, a semicircular cliff offering breathtaking views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau. The trail then becomes more gradual as it crosses the plateau, leading to Shira Camp. Clear skies provide spectacular views of the summit.

Elevation Gain: 3,000m / 9,800ft to 3,840m / 12,600ft
 
Distance: 5km / 3mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
 
Habitat: Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s trek ascends steadily over expansive ridgelines of high-altitude desert. After about four hours, arrive at Lava Tower (4,550m), a towering 300-foot-high volcanic plug. This challenging section is important for acclimatization. Following lunch at Lava Tower, descend steeply into Barranco Valley. The route offers incredible views of unique plant life, including the giant Senecio trees. The day ends at Barranco Camp, a picturesque location beneath the towering Barranco Wall.

Elevation Gain: 3,840m / 12,600ft to 3,850m / 12,650ft via Lava Tower (4,550m / 14,900ft)
 
Distance: 10km / 6mi
 
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, begin the exciting climb up Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that rewards climbers with stunning views over the valley. From the top at 4,200m, follow a rolling trail along the mountain’s side, with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak to the left and Mount Meru in the distance. Descend briefly into Karanga Valley before ascending a short but steep path to Karanga Camp.

Elevation Gain: 3,850m / 12,600ft to 3,950m / 13,000ft via Barranco Wall (4,200m / 13,800ft)
 
Distance: 5km / 3mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The day begins with a steady climb to Barafu Camp. The barren landscape gives way to the exposed Barafu Ridge, where strong winds are common. This is the final base camp before the summit push. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the overnight ascent. Enjoy an early dinner before getting some sleep in preparation for summit night.

Elevation Gain: 3,950m / 13,000ft to 4,600m / 15,100ft
 
Distance: 4km / 2.5mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Around midnight, begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak. The climb follows a steep, rocky path up heavy scree to Stella Point (5,750m) on the crater rim. From there, continue along a gentler slope toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Witness a breathtaking sunrise before beginning the descent. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Elevation Gain / Loss: 4,600m / 15,100ft to 5,895m / 19,300ft (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,110m / 10,200ft
 
Distance: 17km / 11mi
 
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
 
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and watch for Colobus monkeys. At Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi.

Elevation Loss: 3,110m / 10,200ft to 1,830m / 6,000ft
 
Distance: 10km / 6mi
 
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch