10 Days Machame Route (8 Days Hiking)

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Home Mountain Climbing 10 Days Machame Route (8 Days Hiking)

Tour Type

Mountain Climbing

Tour Duration

10 Days 9 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

Airport transfers
Accommodation in Arusha and on the mountain
Meals as specified
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
Park fees and camping fees
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen
Summit certificate

The Price Excludes

International flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)

Tour Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime high-altitude adventure with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris as you ascend the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, widely regarded as the most scenic trail on the mountain. This carefully designed 10-day, 9-night journey takes you through an extraordinary range of ecosystems, from emerald rainforests alive with birdsong, to dramatic alpine deserts and glaciated summit slopes, culminating at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Our Machame Route itinerary is thoughtfully structured to promote excellent acclimatization, maximize summit success, and offer unparalleled photographic opportunities at every stage of the climb. Led by highly experienced mountain guides and supported by a professional crew, your safety, comfort, and overall experience remain our top priorities throughout the journey. From the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we handle every logistical detail, including airport transfers, accommodation, park permits, meals, and mountain equipment, allowing you to focus entirely on the adventure ahead.

With a balance of steady ascents, strategic rest points, and breathtaking viewpoints, this climb is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking both challenge and reward. Whether capturing sunrise above the clouds or standing proudly at the Roof of Africa, this journey with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris is more than a climb, it is a personal triumph and a visual masterpiece.

Day To day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris team and transferred to your selected hotel in Arusha. Accommodation options include Outpost Lodge (budget), Arusha Planet Lodge (midrange), or Arusha Coffee Lodge (luxury). Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, adjusting to the climate, and receiving a detailed trek briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Dinner

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

After breakfast, depart Arusha for a scenic drive to Machame Gate, where registration formalities are completed. Begin your trek through dense montane rainforest, a region rich in ancient trees, mosses, and wildlife. The trail gradually climbs over approximately 11 km, taking 5–7 hours.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

Today’s trek transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland zones. As vegetation thins, expansive views of the Shira Plateau begin to open up. The 5 km hike takes 4–6 hours, offering excellent photographic opportunities of Kilimanjaro’s rugged landscapes.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower

This acclimatization-focused day takes you across high alpine desert terrain. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The 10 km trek takes approximately 6–8 hours, passing dramatic rock formations and panoramic valleys.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Begin the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, a hands-on scramble that is both exhilarating and rewarding. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of glaciers and valleys before continuing along rolling terrain to Karanga Camp. The 5 km hike takes 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, covering 4 km in 4–5 hours. The landscape becomes increasingly stark as you approach Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the final ascent.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Depart around midnight for the summit push, ascending slowly under a star-filled sky. After 7–8 hours of climbing, reach Uhuru Peak, where sunrise reveals breathtaking views across Africa. After celebrating and capturing this unforgettable moment, descend 12 km to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Arusha

Descend through lush rainforest on a 10 km trek taking 3–4 hours to Mweka Gate. Here, you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates before transferring back to Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Rest Day in Arusha

Enjoy a relaxed day in Arusha. Optional activities include exploring local markets, visiting cultural sites, or simply unwinding at your lodge. This is a perfect day to reflect on your achievement and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an extraordinary mountain journey with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast

At Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris, every journey is thoughtfully crafted around you. We move beyond rigid schedules to offer flexible, tailor-made itineraries shaped by your interests, preferred pace, and travel style. Our experienced travel specialists work closely with you from the very beginning, designing a personalized adventure that reflects the true spirit of Tanzania. This is not just a trip, it is your journey, your story, and an unforgettable experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

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