The 8 day Machame “daytime summit” route is a variation of the 7 day Machame route with the following change. It shortens the summit day by beginning the summit bid in the daytime and returning and staying at Barafu Camp (instead of going to Mweka Camp). This variation eliminates the midnight summit attempt, which is typically very cold and windy, but uses an additional day to complete the descent.
Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
8 DAY MACHAME (DAYTIME SUMMIT) ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 2 – Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
DAY 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
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Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
DAY 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
DAY 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy dinner while preparing for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
In the morning light, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Upon reaching the crater rim, you arrive at Stella Point (18,900 ft), with the summit within striking distance. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we return back to Barafu Camp, where we celebrate our achievement and enjoy a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7 – Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
We make our descent going straight down to Mweka Camp, which is situated in the upper forest. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Later in the evening, we have our last dinner on the mountain.
DAY 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle takes us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we receive our summit certificates.