African Overland Tours
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Customer Service
Worldwide
African Overland Tours
Length
8 days
Tour Type
Camping, Smaller Group Tours
Starts
Moshi
Comfort Level
Basic
Ends
Moshi
Age Range
12 - 65 and above
Tour SKU
CAM2631
Operated in
English Guided
Group Size
Max 12
Destinations
Challenge yourself on the scenic Machame Route, Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque path to the “Roof of Africa“! This 8-day adventure traverses diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to high-altitude deserts with breathtaking ice field views. Hike through the famed “Whiskey Route,” named for its beauty and challenge, conquering magnificent forests and traversing a ridgeline to the Shira Plateau. Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, and celebrate with panoramic vistas. The experienced guides and comfortable camping ensure an unforgettable Kilimanjaro summit experience!
8 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
8 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
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2025-08-07T18:55:53+00:00
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African Overland Tours
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Your tour begins today. You may arrive at any time. This is your chance to find out more about your tour and meet your guide and other travelers. Decide to eat with the group at a nearby restaurant afterward. Remember to look for the notice in the lobby or ask at reception to find out the official meeting time and location for the group.
Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day
Trek to Machame Camp via Mt. Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The majority of the day is spent on the stunning and enthralling slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which are mostly classified as rainforest zones. The trail will be muddy if it rains and will be soggy depending on the weather.
Machame Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
± 5 – 7 hours
± 11 km
Trek through the lower alpine moors to the Shira 2 camp, where you may take in the breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak. Begin with a tough climb up to the forest’s edge. Scale the high crest and have a rest. Hike to Shira Cathedral and take in the peaks’ vista before you arrive at camp.
Shira 2 Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
± 5 – 6 hours
± 5 km
Hike via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp. Savor the breathtaking vista of the Breach Wall and Western Breach. From the Shira 2 Camp, ascend gradually through the rocky terrain to the Lava Tower (4600m, 15,092 feet). The path is progressively more difficult and steep. As the altitude may cause some hikers to feel weak or out of breath, go cautiously—or “pole pole,” as the Swahili phrase puts it—to prevent aggravating the symptoms. Go 650 meters (2133 feet) down to the Great Barranco Valley from the Lava Tower. To get to the valley, adjust to the altitude, and enjoy the views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall, hike for around two hours. After the strenuous climb of the day, arrive at Barranco Camp and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Camp is surrounded by the Breach Wall on three sides, and it offers breathtaking views of the Kibo massif and hanging glaciers.
Barranco Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
± 10 km
± 4 – 6 hours
Ascent the eastern wall, which passes beneath the Helm Glacier, offers views of the Great Barranco Wall. Gaze upon the Great Barranco Wall from your tent, then prepare to ascend the eastern wall. The path is a continuous incline that descends beneath the Helm Glacier and intersects with the Mweka route. Take a nap in the Barafu Camp; it’s located on a rocky, narrow ridge with no windbreaks. Prepare gear such as headlamps, trekking poles, and warm clothes in advance of the extremely early start the following day.
Barafu Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
± 8 – 9 hours
± 9 km
Trek through Stella Point to reach the Summit at night. Take in the morning before making your way down to Mweka Camp.
The longest and most difficult day of the entire climb is the one that leads from Barafu Camp to the summit, both physically and mentally. You will always cherish the memory of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, despite its challenges. The alarm goes off at 11 p.m. today so that, weather permitting, you can get to Stella Point (5756 m, 18,885 ft) in time to see the breathtaking sunrise. Snacken and warm up with a drink as you prepare for the nighttime climb up Northwest Ridge. After passing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers and reaching Stella Point, proceed cautiously due to the challenging and rugged terrain.
Begin the one-hour, moderate climb up the snow-covered route to Uhuru Peak (5895m, 19341 ft). Near the peak, morning temperatures can drop to -23°C (-9°F), while nightly lows can fall below freezing. Finally reach the summit! Breathe deeply and acknowledge that your climb was successful.
Start the descent from the summit in the direction of the Barafu camp, where the party will rest and pack up. The descent route returns over moorland and forest, using the same rock and scree path as the ascent. Arrive at Mweka Hut late in the afternoon.
Mweka Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp to Stella Point, Stella Point to Summit, Summit to Mweka Camp
± 11 – 12 hours
± 17 km
Proceed downhill through the lower, forested slopes until you reach Moshi. Join the mamas of Moshi Women’s Cooperative for a climbing ceremony.
We arrive in the afternoon to Moshi. It’s time to unwind, have a shower, and toast with a beverage. To climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cheers! The mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative will greet and congratulate you on your climb before dinner. They’ll give you a certificate and a gift to acknowledge all of your hard work on the mountain.
You can choose to pay for the Moshi Mamas Massage in advance by adding it to your cart, or you can get help from your travel agency.
Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Breakfast, Lunch
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit
Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage
± 4-5 hours
± 10 km
Your tour comes to an end today. Depart at any time.
Breakfast
Optional Activities available on this tour
Chat to our experts to help you plan your dream trip.
Aside from the Big Five, Tanzania is home to tree-climbing lions (Lake Manyara and Serengeti), the endangered wild dog (Selous/Nyerere), black-and-white colobus monkeys (Arusha & Usambara), and the largest wildebeest migration on Earth.
Best Overall Months: June to October and January to February
If you’re looking for a sweet spot for both Southern and East Africa, the dry season from June to October and January-February is widely considered the best time to visit. Why?
Dry weather easier travel and fewer mosquitoes
Peak wildlife viewing animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot
Cooler temperatures especially pleasant in places like Namibia, Botswana, and Kenya
Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia)
Best months: May to September
June–August: Excellent for safaris; cool mornings, dry days
September–October: Hotter, but fantastic for wildlife as animals cluster near water
November–April: The green (rainy) season — landscapes are lush, but wildlife is harder to spot and roads can get muddy. Great for birdwatching.
Top pick: July or August — dry, clear, and great for game drives in Kruger, Chobe, and Etosha.
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)
Best months: June to October and January to February
July–September Prime time for the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara
January–February Short dry season, good for safaris and gorilla trekking
March–May Long rains — travel is still possible, but muddy conditions and wildlife dispersal can be a challenge
Top pick July or August — Great Migration + ideal gorilla trekking conditions in Uganda and Rwanda
| Highlight | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Classic safaris | June – October |
| Fewer tourists | May or November |
| The Great Migration (Kenya/Tanzania) | July – September |
| Gorilla trekking (Uganda/Rwanda) | June – August, January – February |
| Victoria Falls at peak flow | March – May |
| Budget travel | Green season (November – April) |
Most nationalities require a visa (USD $50–100). Some can get it on arrival—check your country’s requirements beforehand.
Most nationalities require a visa (available on arrival or e-visa). Check Mozambique’s embassy site for updates.
More questions? Let the Experts help
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8 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
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