8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, rises to an incredible 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. The Machame Route, popularly known as the ‘Whiskey Route,’ is one of the most stunning and most popular trekking routes to the summit, offering trekkers stunning views, changing landscapes, and a challenging trek.
The luxury 8-day itinerary allows adventure travelers to exceed the normal Kilimanjaro experience with the comfort and style of a private trek, professional Kili guides, the best trekking equipment available, quality meals, and hot and comfortable camping accommodation.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
Day 3: Big Tree Camp–Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Day 5: Moir Camp – Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035 m).
Day 7: Karanga Camp–Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Your adventure begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Nyumbu Beyond Journeys. You will be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your boutique hotel and/or luxury lodge in Arusha, such as Gran Melia Arusha, Arusha Serena Hotel, or Mount Meru Hotel.
After checking in, you will settle into the evening with a refreshing drink and a filling dinner. Your mountain guide will then conduct a pre-trek briefing to discuss the route, safety policies, and packing list. The evening aims to help you to rest and prepare your mind for the adventure aspect of the upcoming big climb.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
After your breakfast, you will depart Arusha and drive through green rolling hills, uninterrupted landscapes, and coffee planters to Lemosho Gate, which is one of the most beautiful and least visited starting locations for Kilimanjaro. Once you arrive, you will be registered as a climber and introduced to your trekking team, including 4 porters and a professional chef.
Today your hike will take you through a dense rainforest inhabited by tropical birds, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and large ferns. The walk will be an easy uphill, allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. After approximately 3-4 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Big Tree Camp. Your luxurious private tent will be set up with cushy bedding and a warm sleeping bag. Tonight, you will eat a hot dinner and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before heading to bed under the African stars.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp–Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Today, you will be hiking out of the rainforest zone and into the moorland zone, where the landscape is more open with extended vistas of heather and volcanic rocks. The trail will provide some of the best views of the Shira Plateau, one of the most recognizable areas on Kilimanjaro.
As you climb higher, you will feel the mountain air and see your first views of the massive Kibo Peak. You will be provided lunch along the way and enough chances to hydrate. You should arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, and your porters should have already set up your camp. After taking a moment to get settled, you will enjoy a hot meal while watching the sunset over the African plains.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Today, the trek will begin with a gradual climb traversing the Shira Plateau, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and volcanic ridges below. Along the way, there will be lava formations and unique alpine plants seen in this high-alpine environment.
Lunch will be along the trail, after which you will continue hiking for approximately 5–6 hours until you arrive at Moir Camp, located below impressive rock formations. Moir Camp is a peaceful setting with great views of the northern ice fields. Enjoy a hot meal, relax, and take in the beautiful views of the night sky before going to sleep.
Day 5: Moir Camp – Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Today will be one of the most picturesque and important acclimatization days. The hike will ascend steadily to Lava Tower (4,600 m). You will stop there for lunch and a short rest. Although the hike up to Lava Tower will be difficult, it is immensely important in enabling your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
After lunch you will descend to Barranco Camp, which is located in a stunning valley below the Breach Wall, one of Kilimanjaro’s most well-known landmarks. The descent will allow your body to acclimatize properly while also giving you some of the best views of the mountain. Enjoy a delicious dinner before going to sleep in camp during the night.
Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035 m).
This morning starts with something exciting and completely new: the Barranco Wall! While it may look daunting, it is a fun, non-technical scramble that finishes with amazing views at the top.
After this climb, the trail continues to undulate up and down across valleys and ridges for some time until we arrive at Karanga Camp. This will be a shorter hiking day to assist acclimatization and for some general rest. When we arrive, we can have a hot lunch and then have the afternoon to relax, read journals, or enjoy the spectacular views of Kibo Peak ahead of us.
Day 7: Karanga Camp–Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
After breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Camp, the final base for your summit attempt. The trail is steep and rocky, with thinner air, so please stay slow.
You will reach Barafu Camp by mid-afternoon, where you will rest and have an early dinner. Then, your guide will give you a detailed briefing on the hike to the summit, then pack your gear up and sleep early, as tomorrow is a big day: your climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
This will be the most fun and difficult day of the trip. Around midnight, you will start your summit hike under a starry sky. Our trail will steadily climb through scree and ice slopes leading to Stella Point (5,756 m), where you will enjoy an amazing sunrise. From here, it is just a little push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Reaching the Roof of Africa is a moment that will never be forgotten, so take some time to photographically document it and appreciate your incredible accomplishment. After you take some time to enjoy your accomplishment, you will safely descend back down to Mweka Camp by passing through the moorland and rainforest zones. Once you arrive, you will receive your summit certificates, engage with your team in recap stories, and have a good night’s rest after a rewarding adventure.
End of 8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route
Safari inclusions
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
Airport transfers and transportation
All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Full-board meals for the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Luxury camping equipment, i.e., sleeping tent, mattresses, chairs, tables
You will be housed in a luxury hotel in Arusha before the climb
Drinking water, teas, and coffee throughout the trek
Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit for any emergency
Summit certificate for each climber
Safari exclusions.
International and domestic flights
Visa for Tanzania + travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, walking sticks)
Tips for your guides, porters and cooks
Beverages not included in the previous list (alcoholic beverages)
Extra hotel nights beyond the itinerary
Any personal expenses or souvenirs
