8-Day Kilimanjaro Safari – Machame Route Hiking Tour
Embark on an unforgettable Kilimanjaro Safari adventure along the scenic Machame Route, starting and ending in Usa River near Arusha. This guided hike offers breathtaking landscapes, varied ecosystems, and one of the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame trail is ideal for fit hikers with prior trekking experience who seek an immersive and challenging ascent to the Roof of Africa.
Quick Overview
This fully supported Kilimanjaro Safari includes 6 days of guided trekking through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert terrain. Overnight in mountain tents and enjoy hearty meals prepared by your support team. The route allows ample time for acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Descent is via the Mweka Route. The tour begins and ends with lodge accommodation near Arusha for a comfortable start and relaxing finish to your hiking adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Usa River
Your Kilimanjaro Safari begins with airport pickup and transfer to a tranquil lodge in Usa River. Settle into the lush tropical surroundings and relax before the big climb. A pre-hike briefing will be conducted in the evening to prepare for your Machame Route trek.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,790m) to Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, travel to Kilimanjaro National Park and begin your trek through the dense rainforest, spotting unique wildlife like colobus monkeys. Hike for 5–6 hours to Machame Camp, located just above the treeline.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,220m
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,845m)
Climb into heathland and moorland, where vegetation thins and panoramic views unfold. Reach the Shira Plateau by mid-afternoon and enjoy sunset views of Mount Kilimanjaro from your scenic campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Altitude Gain: 835m
Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Ascend to Lava Tower to acclimatize, then descend into the lush Barranco Valley. The afro-alpine desert gives way to towering senecio and lobelia plants. End your day at the beautiful Barranco Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: Ascend 795m, Descend 680m
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Challenge yourself with a steep climb up the famous Barranco Wall. Trek along the ridge with views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and enjoy lunch at Karanga Valley before continuing to Barafu Camp, your base for the final summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude Gain: 680m
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Begin your summit attempt at midnight, reaching Stella Point after a demanding 5–7 hour hike. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After soaking in the views, descend to Barafu for lunch and on to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Altitude: Ascend 1,255m, Descend 2,815m
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Usa River
Finish your Kilimanjaro Safari with a gentle descent through lush rainforest. After the farewell ceremony at the gate, return to your lodge in Usa River to celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Altitude Loss: 1,450m
Day 8: Usa River to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey, concluding your once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro Safari hiking tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Kilimanjaro Safari Tour Notes
- This Kilimanjaro Safari is available as a private guided tour—ideal for couples, groups, or solo travelers.
- Add a Tanzania wildlife safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday to complement your mountain adventure.
- An optional extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp can be added to create a 9-day Kilimanjaro Safari. Contact us for pricing and itinerary.