Is the 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route hard?

The 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route is demanding. Days are 4 to 9 hours, and summit night lasts 11 to 14 hours. No climbing skills are needed, but good fitness matters, and six days gives less time to acclimatise than seven.

Should I choose the 8 or 9 day Machame route?

The 9 day Machame route gives a better chance of reaching the summit because of the extra night at Karanga Camp. Choose the 8 day trip only if you are fit and have been to altitude recently. We can quote both.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame route?

The best months are January to mid-March and June to October, when the mountain is driest. April, May and November are the rainy months.

Where do we sleep on the climb?

You sleep in tents at Machame, Shira Cave, Barranco, Barafu and Mweka camps, and in a hotel in Moshi before and after the climb. The crew sets up and packs camp each day.

Can a group climb Kilimanjaro together?

Yes. Kilimanjaro is a popular group and charity climb. We add guides so the group can split by pace on summit night. Contact us with your numbers and dates.

8 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route: Six Days to Uhuru Peak

This 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route follows Kilimanjaro’s most scenic route to Uhuru Peak, with a hotel night in Moshi before and after the trek.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

This 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa, on Kilimanjaro’s most popular scenic route. The trip runs 8 days in total: you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, spend a night in Moshi, climb for six days through rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and Barafu Camp, and return to Moshi before flying home.

It suits fit hikers with some altitude experience. If this is your first high climb, ask us about our 9 day Machame route, which adds an acclimatisation night at Karanga Camp.

Why choose the Machame route?

Machame is called the ‘Whiskey route’ because it is tougher than Marangu, but it is far more scenic and its ‘climb high, sleep low’ profile helps acclimatisation. You camp in tents every night and see the mountain from several sides.

What to expect on the 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route

Day 2 climbs through rainforest to Machame Camp (about 2,835 m). Day 3 crosses to Shira Cave Camp, and day 4 goes up to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) before descending to Barranco Camp. Day 5 tackles the Barranco Wall and continues to Barafu Camp (about 4,670 m). Day 6 is summit night: you leave around midnight, reach Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at dawn, then descend to Mweka Camp. Day 7 finishes at Mweka Gate.

When is the best time to climb?

The main seasons are January to mid-March and June to October. Read our month-by-month guide to climbing Kilimanjaro and compare routes in our Kilimanjaro routes guide.

How do I book this climb?

Prices depend on your dates, group size and whether you want huts, camping or extra nights, so we quote every climb personally. WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a tailor-made quote. If you are travelling with friends, a club or colleagues, see our page on climbing as a group.

Highlights

Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa
Rainforest, Shira Plateau and Lava Tower
The famous Barranco Wall scramble
Camping every night with a full mountain crew
Hotel nights in Moshi before and after

Day 1 :

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your guide gives a briefing and checks your gear.

Day 2 :

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Drive to Machame Gate (about 1,800 m) and walk 5 to 7 hours through rainforest to Machame Camp at about 2,835 m.

Day 3 :

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Climb a steep ridge out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau, about 4 to 6 hours, to Shira Cave Camp at about 3,750 m.

Day 4 :

Shira Cave to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Climb to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) for acclimatisation, then descend through giant senecios to Barranco Camp at about 3,960 m.

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Scramble up the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley and continue to Barafu Camp (about 4,670 m), 7 to 9 hours. Early dinner and rest.

Day 6 :

Summit night: Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp

Leave around midnight, reach Stella Point at dawn and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) soon after. Descend to Barafu for a rest, then on to Mweka Camp at about 3,100 m.

Day 7 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi

Walk 3 to 4 hours through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi.

Day 8 :

Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or continue on safari.