8 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

(6 Days on the Mountain)

Tour Preview

  • Views of Heim, Kersten and Rebmann glaciers
  • Catch the first view of the sun rise over Africa
  • Very good acclimatization conditions

Machame Route 8 Days

The Whisky Route

The Machame Route 8 Days up Mount Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly our most sought-after tour package. And it’s no wonder. You get to experience exhilarating challenge and adventure alongside breathtaking scenery, from rainforest and desert landscapes to polar ice fields. All while enjoying a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. Book early to secure your place on the most popular route on Kilimanjaro! Ashford Tours’ Machame Route 8 Days package is perfect for both seasoned adventurers and first-time high altitude climbers. It offers excellent acclimatization, making for a high success rate. You’ll approach the peaks of Kilimanjaro from the southwest, passing the massive expanse of the Shira Plateau, the imposing peaks of the Lava Tower, and the spectacular Southern Ice Field. On the way, you’ll make rare contact with exotic wildlife in untouched wilderness surroundings. The approach to the summit will be rewarding and unforgettable. If you climb Kilimanjaro only once, do it in the most spectacular way possible. Check out our tour itinerary to see what to expect on your exhilarating Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days adventure:

Day Destination Activities Accommodations Meals
1 Moshi Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel. Tour orientation Chanya Lodge L, D
2 Machane Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) Transfer to Machane gate (1,800m/5,905ft). Start the mountain climbing Machane Camp BB,L, D
3 Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) Trek to from Machane to Shira Shira Camp BB,L, D
4 Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) Trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp Barranco Camp BB,L, D
5 Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) Trek from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Barafu Camp BB,L, D
6 Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) Trek from Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descend to Mweka Camp Mweka Camp BB,L, D
7 Moshi Descend Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) Chanya Lodge BB,L, D
8 Departure Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport BB

Abbreviations: BB – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner, LB: Lunch Box

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Get ready for the start of your amazing Kilimanjaro Machame Route journey! You’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport by our driver and be transported in comfort to your hotel in Moshi. After settling down, you’ll gather for a group orientation session. Our expert team leaders will guide you through the important details of your route and offer advice for a successful trek. Your hiking gear will then be inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent preparing for your life-changing journey.

Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,935 feet) Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 9km

After waking up to a warm hotel breakfast, you’ll depart Moshi for the Machame Gate, the start of numerous Kilimanjaro climbing routes. The 45-minute journey will take scenic turns off the beaten path, traversing coffee plantations and traditional local villages. After reaching the park gate, our team will assemble all your gear while you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs. Then begins your first trekking experience to Machame Camp. Here you’ll venture across spectacular terrain, including tropical rainforests and grasslands. Catch glimpses of wild animals and exotic plant species as you move through moss-covered forest underpasses. Travel into drier terrain surrounded by high grasses and fields of sprouting wildflowers. You’ll then stop and admire a view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mighty summit, Kibo Peak. All the while, your porters and cooks prepare the camp ready for your arrival.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

Elevation Gain: 840 meters (2,760 feet) Walking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 7km

You’ll wake up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. Gather your gear, including plenty of water, and set off on an exposed trail where you’ll soak up plenty of sun. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, and a sight of the jagged volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also have gradual exposure to increasingly higher altitudes to help with the acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Watch for the shrinking vegetation the higher you ascend Kilimanjaro, including the exotic Lobelia Deckenii and the Scenecio dwarf shrub. Finish the day at Shira Camp where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey.

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

Elevation Gain: 690 meters (2,264 feet) Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10km

Now more than halfway through one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes, you’ll encounter the most varied and rewarding stretch so far. Get ready for a hike eastwards towards the gorgeous Shira Plateau along ever-steeper terrain. The highlight of your day will be the approach towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a looming passageway. Then you’ll take a rapid descent towards the Barranco campsite, famous for being the most scenic one on the route. You’ll set up for the night surrounded by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. View spectacular glaciers draped with sunlight while you enjoy a hot, steaming meal.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

Elevation Gain: 650 meters (2,140 feet) Walking Time: 7-8 hours Distance: 8km

The day before your final ascent is filled with thrilling exploration and adventure. Start the morning with an invigorating 90-minute climb up Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, and down into the gorgeous green territories of the Karanga Valley. Survey spectacular vistas of bleached glaciers and gleaming shards of light then journey near the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. As the bronzed peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks come into view, you’ll stop and have an energy-dense dinner in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) Walking Time: 14-16 hours Distance: 19km

At midnight, you’ll rise to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Journey amid gleaming glaciers to Stella Point while the sun rises, illuminating the amazing peaks of the summit. Savor the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching Uhuru Peak, your final destination. Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you’ll be filled with a sense of exhilaration looking down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice. Celebrate with your team and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot, steaming breakfast. The day ends with your arrival at Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night lying beneath the stars.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Moshi

Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) Walking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10km

Wake up on your last day on the mountain rested and triumphant—you’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro! After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll stroll towards Mweka Gate through gorgeous forest scenery draped in cloud and mist. A Ashford Tours vehicle will be there to transport you back to Moshi where a hot shower, soft mattress and fresh set of clothes await.

Day 8: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

Today we will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will embark on your flight home. If you’ve chosen to participate in a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll take care of that too!

The Tour Includes

  • Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to the hotel in Moshi
  • Transport from Moshi to Park Gates
  • Transport from Park Gates to Moshi
  • Pre & post climb accommodation in Moshi
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Conservation fees (entry fee)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park compulsory rescue fees
  • Kilimanjaro National Park hut accommodation fees
  • Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified English speaking guides
  • Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified English speaking porters
  • One Porter per person for personal Mountain luggage (maximum 15 kgs)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified cook/Chef, utensils, cutlery, crockery etc
  • All meals while on the mountain and bed and breakfast in Moshi
  • Boiled water; tea and coffee with meals
  • 1 basic first Aid kit per group

The Tour Excludes:

  • Any Domestic of International lights
  • Specialized climbing equipments such as Oxygen cylinders (available at cost)
  • Travel insurance, Visa and passport fees
  • Increases in park fees where applicable
  • Personal mountain  equipments such as sleeping bags, walking poles, mattresses, duffel bags etc (available at cost)
  • Metal water bottles, water bladders (please note no soft plastics are permitted on the Mountain)
  • Tips/gratuities for guide(s), porters & cook
  • Beverages such as Soda and Alcoholic drinks
  • Additional unscheduled transfer form park gates to Moshi.

Tour Cost

8 Days Kilimanjaro climbing – Machane Route

Number of Passengers in a Group 1 2 3 4 5 6-10 11+
Per person sharing rate 2244 1898 1795 1695 1685 1661 1570
Single room supplement all through 150 150 150 150 150 150 150

The cost may change if influenced by increment of park entrance fees, Government taxes

Payment Policy
– booking fee: 30% within 7 days after confirmation of the booking
– balance and full payments to be paid 25 days prior to safari starting date.
– Booking confirmed within 25 days to the tour starting date should be paid in full.

Ashford Tours is not liable for the progress of any booking incase of non-compliance of the above payment conditions. We recommend that you secure your booking with a deposit of 30% of the tour fees within 7 days of confirmation. The balance of payment is due 25 days prior to the tour starting date. Upon receipt of full payment, Ashford Tours will issue all relevant travel documents.

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel a confirmed booking, a cancellation fee will apply. A cancellation is only possible if communicated in written form. If you cancel a trip:
• At any time but over 45 days after your booking has been confirmed Ashford Tours and Travel retains 5% non-refundable deposit as administration costs on all services booked with us. We advise you to sign cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees.

  • Any monies paid will be refunded less the cost of cancellation fees levied by hotels or food expenses and administrative costs as indicated here below;
No of days to travel date Percentage forfeited of tour price
Over 45 days 5% Administration cost
25 – 45 days to arrival date 30% of tour price
24-15 days 50% of the tour price
7-14 days 70% of the tour price
Less than 6 days and no show No refunds. We retain 100% of the tour fee

• If you leave a tour for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.

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