8 Days – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing: Machame Route

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania, where you will be met by the Sunset Africa Safari team and transferred to your hotel. Meet your mountain crew for a detailed climb briefing and final gear inspection.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,000 m)

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration. Begin your trek through dense rainforest, rich in flora, birds, and occasional wildlife. The trail is scenic and gradually ascends to Machame Camp.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,840 m)

Leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, where vast landscapes open up. Enjoy sweeping views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s western slopes as you trek across the Shira Plateau.

Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp – Acclimatization Day (Shira Plateau / Lava Tower Area)

This day is dedicated to acclimatization. You will hike to higher elevations on the Shira Plateau or toward Lava Tower, then return to Shira Camp.

This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves summit success while allowing time to rest and recover.
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Ascend gradually to Lava Tower, where you will have lunch at high altitude. Afterward, descend to the beautiful Barranco Camp, located beneath the towering Barranco Wall.

This is one of the most important acclimatization days of the climb.
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

Climb the impressive Barranco Wall, a fun and non-technical scramble offering spectacular views. Continue across alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, where the afternoon is spent resting and hydrating.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

After breakfast, trek to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp

Begin the summit attempt shortly after midnight. Reach Stella Point at sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Hiking time: 12–14 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for rest or onward travel.
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch