8-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at the airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha) you will be met by Signature Safari’s representative and drive you to your accommodation in Arusha for overnight stay waiting for your adventures to start on the following day.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Arusha Planet Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha to Machame Gate (1800m) - Machame Camp (2850m)

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: About 7 km
Habitat: Montane Forest

In the early morning, we depart for Machame Gate, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. Upon arrival, lunch is served at the gate before commencing our ascent. The trail leads us directly into the lush rainforest, where the likelihood of rain can transform the path into a muddy and slippery experience. Often, our porters and cooks reach the campsite ahead of us to prepare meals and set up tents. Be prepared for colder temperatures at Machame Camp, especially during the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp (2850m) - Shira Cave (3750m)

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: About 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
Following breakfast, we trek towards Shira Cave (3750m), where a hot lunch awaits. The trail ascends through the forest for about an hour, then continues through the moorland zone for approximately two hours. Along the way, enjoy views of the Western Breach and Kibo. Upon reaching Shira Cave in the evening, settle in for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira (3750m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)

Duration: 7 hours
Distance: About 11 km
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Today's route heads east into a rocky semi-desert landscape surrounding Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4600m after about five hours of walking. Lunch is served before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This is typically the toughest day, with some climbers experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness. Descend to Barranco Camp, situated below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp (3900m) – Karanga Camp (3995m)

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: About 7 km
Habitat: Semi-Desert

After breakfast, conquer the famous Barranco Wall, using hands for better grip where necessary. Traverse along the mountain ridge and through the Karanga Valley, passing the last water spot before reaching Karanga Camp. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp (3995m) – Barafu Camp (4667m)

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: About 2 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Embark on a three-hour trek to Barafu Camp, crossing through the dry alpine desert landscape. The rocky Barafu Camp offers a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path. After an early dinner and preparation for the summit, retire for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Summit Attempt, Barafu Camp (4667m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m)

Duration: 7 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: About 14 km
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit

Wake up around 2300hrs for the summit climb. Ascend towards Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy the sunrise and breathtaking views before descending to Barafu Camp. After a brief rest, descend to Mweka Hut through rock and scree paths into the moorland and forest. Dinner and washing water will be prepared at Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: About 2 km
Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, embark on a scenic three-hour hike back to Mweka Gate. Sign your name in the register and receive your summit certificate. Celebrate with your mountain crew before being transferred to a hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and dinner. Alternatively, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight home in the even.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.