8 Days Group Budget Machame Route Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at The Kilimanjaro White House Hotel in Moshi. Your guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

The day begins early in Moshi as you prepare for the first leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure along the scenic Machame Route. After a hearty breakfast, you will be transported from Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905 ft), where park registration formalities take place. This marks the official start of your trek. As you set out on the trail, you’ll ascend through a dense and lush rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, and the calls of exotic birds. The rich vegetation provides ample shade, making the initial ascent a comfortable yet invigorating experience. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as monkeys and other forest creatures are often spotted along this section of the route. The journey covers a total distance of 11 km (7 miles), with an elevation gain of approximately 1,200 meters (3,935 feet). Depending on the pace, the trek takes between 5 to 7 hours. 

The day starts with an early wake-up in the crisp mountain air. After breakfast, you leave Machame Camp, ascending from the rainforest into the open moorland zone. The trek covers 5 km (3 miles) over 4–6 hours, climbing from 3,000m (9,840 ft) to 3,840m (12,600 ft). The trail includes gentle inclines, steep sections, and rocky terrain, offering rewarding views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The moorland landscape features unique flora like giant lobelias and senecios, with panoramic views of the Shira Plateau. As you reach Shira Cave Camp, the breathtaking sunset paints the sky over the rugged terrain. With dinner enjoyed and gear prepared, you rest under a star-filled sky, reflecting on the day’s adventure and anticipating what lies ahead.

Valley begins with an early morning wake-up at Shira Cave Camp, greeted by the crisp mountain air and a warm cup of tea. After breakfast, you set off on a steady ascent through the alpine desert, making your way toward Lava Tower at 4,630m (15,190 ft). The landscape becomes more barren, with towering rock formations marking the route. Reaching Lava Tower Camp, you take a break for lunch and acclimatization before descending into Barranco Valley. The trail down reveals lush greenery and the striking giant Senecio trees. After 6–8 hours of trekking, you arrive at Barranco Camp, where you rest for the night

Day starts with an early morning wake-up at Barranco Camp, with the towering Barranco Wall ahead. After breakfast, you begin the thrilling climb up the wall, using both hands and feet to navigate the steep but manageable scramble. Reaching the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking views before continuing through the alpine desert. The trail becomes more barren as you ascend steadily toward Karanga Camp for a brief rest and lunch. The final stretch to Barafu Camp is tough, with increasing altitude and rugged terrain. Arriving at 4,673m (15,331 ft), you settle in early, preparing for the midnight summit push.

Day 6 begins with an early wake-up just before midnight at Barafu Camp. In the biting cold, you set off under a starlit sky, climbing slowly up the steep, rocky switchbacks toward the summit. After 6–8 grueling hours, you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa, just in time for a breathtaking sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, you begin the long descent, first returning to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170 ft). The 5–7hour descent takes you into the lush forest zone, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

After a hearty breakfast, you begin your final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro trek. Starting at 3,100m (10,170 ft) at Mweka Camp, you descend to 1,640m (5,380 ft) at Mweka Gate, covering 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours. The trail takes you through lush rainforest, offering a chance to spot wildlife along the way. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you'll sign out before a drive back to Moshi. Relax and celebrate your remarkable achievement after this unforgettable adventure.

After breakfast, depending on your time, you will be transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).