Kilimanjaro hiking: 8-Day Machame route tour

Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

After your flight from home, you will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be met by an Oreteti Safari representative and transferred to our hotel in Moshi. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including cosy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and internet access.

In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers to make sure you are ready to begin the climb. They will go over the itinerary, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with all the necessary information for your safety and success on the mountain.

This is a great opportunity to relax and get acclimated to the altitude before your Kilimanjaro hiking tour begins. You can also explore Moshi, a bustling town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Hiking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp

After a briefing from your guide and support crew, you will drive to the Machame Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. After registering with the park authorities, you will begin your hike to Machame Camp.

The trail winds through the rainforest, where you will likely encounter tropical showers. Be sure to pack rain gear and spare clothes. The hike is moderate, but it is a good way to start your acclimatization to the altitude.

You will reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon. The camp is located in a beautiful spot, surrounded by towering trees. You will have time to relax and enjoy the scenery before dinner and prepare yourself for the next day of this Kilimanjaro hiking tour.

Hiking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp on this Kilimanjaro hiking tour

After breakfast, you will start hiking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). This is a moderate hike that takes you through the rainforest and out onto the Shira Plateau. Along the way, you will have stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you will go on an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp. This is a short hike with a slight gain in altitude, but it is important to do it in order to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.

You will return to Shira Camp in the evening for dinner and a good night's sleep, waiting for the next day's Kilimanjaro hiking adventure.

Hiking From Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your hike to Lava Tower (4,630 m). This is a challenging hike with a lot of ascents and descents. The altitude at Lava Tower is over 4,600 meters, so you may feel some discomfort. However, it is important to spend at least 1-2 hours here to help your body acclimatize to the altitude.

After lunch at Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). This is a shorter hike, but it is still important to take it slow and listen to your body.

At Barranco Camp, you can see the famous Barranco Wall, a massive and steep cliff. You will be climbing this wall the next day, but don't worry - it is a relatively easy hike.  In the evening, you will have a rest waiting for the next day of this Kilimanjaro hiking tour.

Hiking From Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will wake up early and start your hike to Barafu Camp. The first part of the hike is the Barranco Wall, a steep gorge that is not as difficult as it looks. After the climb, you will have stunning views of the Kibo volcano.

You will then continue to Karanga Camp, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will continue to Barafu Camp, the highest camp on the route at 4,640 meters. This is where you will spend the night before your summit attempt.

It is important to rest and sleep well at Barafu Camp to prepare for the summit attempt. The night will be cold, so be sure to dress warmly and wait for the next day of the Kilimanjaro hiking tour.

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

After a very early breakfast, you will depart from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) in the dark and begin your summit attempt. The hike to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is relatively simple, but the altitude can be challenging. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide to monitor their physical and mental conditions.  

The hike to Uhuru Peak is divided into three stages:

• The first stage is a steep climb to Stella Point (5,735 m). This is the halfway point to Uhuru Peak and is a good place to rest and take in the views.
• The second stage is the final push to Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the hike, but the views from the top are absolutely incredible.
• The third stage is the descent from Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). This is a long and tiring day, but it is important to take it slow and listen to your body.

After your successful summit of Uhuru Peak, you will have the option to descend to the nearest glacier. You will then return to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp where you will rest a wait for the next day of Kilimanjaro hiking tour.

It is important to be aware of the risks associated with hiking at high altitudes, particularly during the descent. 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

After a restful night at Millennium Camp, you will wake up to the feeling of relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will begin your descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), the exit of the park.

The hike is long but relatively easy, and you will have plenty of time to reflect on your amazing accomplishment. Along the way, you will pass through the tropical rainforest, where you may see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.

When you reach Mweka Gate, you will be greeted by your guides and porters, who will congratulate you on your successful climb. You will also have the opportunity to sign the summit register and receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate.

After that, you will be transferred back to Aishi Machame hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.

End of Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

You will have some time to relax and reflect on your amazing Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. You will also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and gifts at the hotel gift shop.