Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame 8-day Route

On arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Vencha representative and transported to a hotel in Moshi town where you’ll spend your first night. Take time to settle in and overcome any jet lag while enjoying the swimming pool and complimentary Wi-Fi. In the evening, a briefing will be held by one of our managers, ensuring you are ready to begin your climb tomorrow.  

As you will be climbing at altitude, it’s important that you abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine and drink plenty of water (at least four litres) every day. You may opt to take a Diamox pill to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness but please consult your doctor before taking them, in case of potential allergies. If you start to feel any symptoms of altitude sickness, either during your trek or while resting at night, be sure to tell your guide immediately. Acclimatisation hikes will be conducted along the trek and are highly recommended as they will help to increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro.

Your guide and mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning for a quick briefing before you are transported to Kilimanjaro National Park's Machame Gate (1,800 m). After acquiring your climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, you will begin trekking up to the Machame Camp (3,010 m). The route will take you through the lush rainforest along the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, so be sure to pack your raincoat as tropical showers are highly probable. On arrival at the camp, your mountain support crew will pitch your tents and prepare lunch before an afternoon of relaxation.  

Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) — Machame Camp (3,010 m)  
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours

After breakfast, begin the trek to Shira Camp (3,845 m), with the trail emerging from the rainforest to offer stunning views of the Shira Plateau. Today’s trekking is not difficult but you need to listen to your body and maintain an easy pace to ensure you don’t become affected by altitude sickness. When you reach the camp, lunch will be ready and you’ll have some time to rest before embarking on a short acclimatisation hike in the direction of Lava Tower Camp, gaining 300 metres in elevation before returning to Shira Camp where a hot dinner awaits.  

Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp:  
Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m)

Hiking distance:5 km  
Hiking time: 4–5 hours  

Acclimatisation hike:  

Change in Elevation: ShiraCamp (3,845 m) — destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)  

Hiking distance: 2 km  
Hiking time: 1–2 hours   

After breakfast at your camp, you’ll depart Shira Camp (3,845 m) and begin your trek to Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route encounters numerous ascents and descents, which can be difficult for some. After having lunch at the Lava Tower, you’ll spend a couple of hours acclimatising before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) where you’ll spend the night. From the camp, you can see the impressive Barranco Wall, which you will be climbing the following day.  

Note:  
If you’re not feeling well, you can opt against passing the Lava Tower and may instead following the porters’ route, which will take you to a maximum elevation of 4,400 metres.  

Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m)  
Hiking distance: 11 km  
Hiking time: 6–8 hours   

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent of Barranco Wall, which takes around an hour. After the climb, you’ll have time to rest and capture photos in front of the Kibo Volcano. You’ll then continue hiking to Karanga Camp, with numerous ascents and descents along the way, arriving in time for a hot lunch. After a couple of hours of acclimatisation, you’ll ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), with the rest of the afternoon free to relax and catch up on any sleep.
 
Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m)  

Hiking distance: 11 km  
Hiking time: 8–10 hours

You’ll depart in the early hours of the morning to begin the trek to Kilimanjaro's summit - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). While the climb is technically quite simple, the high altitude can be a problem for some. So always maintain the slow pace of your guide who will monitor your stamina and mental resolve. After reaching the spectacular summit and capturing photos of your achievement, you’ll descend to the nearest glacier (optional), then continue to Barafu Camp to relax. After a couple of hours rest, you’ll descend to the Millennium Camp (3,820 m) where you’ll spend the night. Be aware that 90% of all accidents on Kilimanjaro occur during the descent, so pay attention and take your time.  

Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m)  

Hiking distance: 15 km  
Hiking time: 8–12 hours

Wake amidst a tropical rainforest while enjoying the relief of the reduced elevation and the satisfaction of having reached Kilimanjaro’s summit. After a warm breakfast, you’ll make the final descent to the Mweka Gate (1,650 m) where you can celebrate your achievement and sign the guestbook. You’ll also be presented with your commemorative certificate before transferring to your hotel in Moshi.  

Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m)  

Hiking distance: 12 km  
Hiking time: 4–5 hours