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8-day Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route

Tanzania, Kilimanjaro 8 Days 4.9/5 (211 reviews)

Tour Overview

Ready to conquer Africa's highest peak with a touch of comfort? Our 8-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route—often called the "Coca-Cola Route"—offers a steady and scenic ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with overnight stays in mountain huts rather than tents.

This classic trail leads you through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the icy heights of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. The route is known for its gradual slope, making it one of the most popular and manageable treks for climbers of all experience levels.

The 8-day itinerary includes a full day for acclimatization, increasing your chances of a successful and safe summit. Along the way, you'll experience Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems and enjoy spectacular views that change with every elevation.

From the tropical forest at Mandara Hut to the otherworldly landscape of Kibo Hut, this journey is a true blend of adventure and cultural discovery. With experienced guides, well-prepared meals, and carefully paced stages, the Marangu Route offers a memorable and achievable way to reach the top of Africa.

Karibu sana – you are most welcome!

Duration

8 days

Group Size

Up to 6 people

Locations

Kilimanjaro

Highlights

  • Scenic and popular route
  • Varied landscapes daily
  • Hike through lush rainforest
  • Cross the Shira Plateau
  • Challenge the Barranco Wall
  • Stunning glacier views
  • Sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak

What's Included

  • All accommodations (2 nights)
  • All transportation in 4x4 vehicles
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • All park entrance fees
  • Airport transfers

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Visa fees
  • Optional activities

8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route

 Arrival

Day 1

Arrival in Moshi

hiking

Day 2

Machame Camp

mountain-ice

Day 3

Shira Camp

mountain-ice

Day 4

Barranco Camp

mountain-ice

Day 5

Barafu Camp

star

Day 6

Summit Day

tree

Day 7

Descent to Moshi

departure

Day 8

Departure

Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the town. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and gear check.

Moshi Town
Sal Salinero Hotel
Dinner
Trek briefing & gear check

Day 2: Moshi – Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,033m)

Your adventure begins after breakfast as you head to Machame Gate for registration and final preparations. Hike through lush rainforest with ancient trees and hanging moss, possibly spotting black and white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.

Machame Route
5–6 hours trekking
Machame Camp (Tented)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rainforest wildlife

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,837m)

Start the day with a steady climb. As you leave the forest behind, the trail leads into the moorland zone with expansive views of the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp by early afternoon and enjoy the magnificent views of Kibo Peak.

Shira Plateau
3–4 hours trekking
Shira Camp (Tented)
First views of Kibo Peak

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,637m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)

Today is key for acclimatization. Ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,637m before descending to Barranco Camp. This climb-high, sleep-low approach helps your body adapt. The route offers dramatic scenery and unique plants like giant senecio and lobelia.

Lava Tower
6–7 hours trekking
Barranco Camp (Tented)
Giant senecio plants
Acclimatization day

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Begin by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall—a thrilling and scenic ascent. Traverse valleys and ridges with stunning views of glaciers before stopping at Karanga Valley for lunch. Continue uphill to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.

Barranco Wall
6–8 hours trekking
Barafu Camp (Tented)
Glacier views
Summit base camp

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Down to Mweka Camp (3,068m)

A midnight start takes you up steep scree slopes under the stars. Reach Stella Point (5,749m) by sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak—the Roof of Africa! After celebrating and photos, descend back to Barafu for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

Uhuru Peak
12–14 hours trekking
Mweka Camp (Tented)
Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Summit certificate

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,653m) – Moshi

A final descent through lush rainforest leads you to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, you'll be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.

Descent
2–3 hours trekking
Sal Salinero Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Celebration

Day 8: Departure – Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Optional safari extensions or Zanzibar beach holidays available upon request.

Departure
Breakfast
Airport transfer
Optional extensions

Featured Hiking Activities

0
Climate Zones
0
Wildlife Species
0
Meters to Summit
Hiking

Hiking

4-6 hours daily Adventure

Experience diverse trails through stunning landscapes with expert mountain guides.

Uhuru Peak

Summit Uhuru Peak

Summit day Ultimate Challenge

Reach Africa's highest point at 5,895 meters for breathtaking sunrise views over the continent.

Rainforest

Rainforest Trek

2-3 hours Nature

Trek through lush montane rainforest with unique flora and occasional wildlife sightings.

Alpine Desert

Alpine Desert

3-5 hours Unique Landscape

Experience the surreal alpine desert zone with its moon-like landscapes and hardy vegetation.

Mountain Views

Scenic Viewpoints

Multiple stops Photography

Stop at breathtaking viewpoints along the route to admire the dramatic landscapes.

Mountain Crew

Team Experience

Entire journey Cultural

Experience the unique camaraderie of climbing with guides, porters and fellow hikers.

Tour Pricing

1 person

$2,399

Based on double occupancy

4-5 People

$2,049

Per person

6+ People

$1,899

Per person