OVERVIEW
The Machame route is our most popular and successful route leading to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hikers sleep in tents which are carried up the mountain by support crews. The Machame route is a very scenic and beautiful route, which can be completed in 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days, allowing for more time to acclimatise. The key to the success of the Machame route is its topography, allowing hikers to climb high and sleep low, helping towards better acclimatisation. There are however two drawbacks on this route: Firstly hikers will need to pass an area just before the Shira ridge and hike the Barranco Wall, both of which are physically demanding and also present a potential problem for hikers with a fear of heights. The second problem relates to the route’s high success rate, compounded by the fact that other routes join the Machame route from day 3 onwards – higher numbers of hikers can be therefore be encountered on this route. The route utilises the Mweka route as a descend route.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast in the hotel drive from Moshi to Machame gate takes about 50 minutes. Through the villages of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. After reaching Machame gate they will be a session of registration before begin with your hiking through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery during rainy season continue a short distance until you reach Machame Campsite dinner and overnight. Machame gate 1,800Mt to Machame Campsite 3000Mt.
-Elevation: 5,380 ft / 1,640 m → 9,350 ft / 2,850 m
-Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
-Habitat: Rainforest
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Breakfast served at 7:30Am after breakfast depart the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather and Moorland, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Leisure for rest, dinner overnight at the Shira campsite. Machame Campsite 3000M to Shira Campsite 3840Mt.
-Elevation: 9,350 ft / 2,850 m → 12,500 ft / 3,810 m
-Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Breakfast session take place at 7:30am Shira campsite depart to Barranco campsite continue east up a ridge via junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you walk, your direction change to the southeast towards Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after reaching the second junction which brings you near to Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4600Mt descent downhill to Barranco campsite at altitude of 3950Mt Although you end your day at the same elevation as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and it will help you to prepare for the summit session. Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.
-Elevation: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m → 15,190 ft / 4,630 m → 13,044 ft / 3,976 m
-Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
-Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with a scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall—a challenging but safe and rewarding climb that is often a highlight of the route. The Wall rises sharply above camp, requiring some light hands-on rock scrambling, but guides will assist you every step of the way. At the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking, wide-ranging views over the Karanga Valley and the plains below. The trail then undulates along rocky ridges and descends into lush valleys before a final gentle climb to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed to improve acclimatization and let you rest and hydrate while soaking in the dramatic alpine desert scenery.
-Elevation: 13,044 ft / 3,976 m → 13,106 ft / 3,995 m
-Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leisure breakfast at Karanga Camp before you complete your ascent to the base campsite at Barafu campsite and hit the junction which connects with Mweka Trail after this point you only have 15-20Minutes to complete your hiking day. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offer views of the summit from many different angles. Your lunch will be save at this point following by afternoon leisure, rest, enjoy early dinner, and prepare for the summit session which take place at mid night right after the o’clock change. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this campsite.. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
-Elevation: 13,106 ft / 3,995 m → 15,331 ft / 4,673 m
-Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Start your summit attempt around midnight under a starlit sky, equipped with headlamps for the challenging ascent. The trail climbs steeply over rocky scree toward Stella Point (5,756 m / 18,885 ft), where you'll pause to catch your breath and witness the first glow of dawn over the African plains. From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Take time for photos and to celebrate your incredible achievement while soaking in panoramic views of glaciers, the vast crater, and the endless Tanzanian landscape below. After enjoying the summit, begin your careful descent back to Barafu Camp. Rest here briefly and enjoy a hot brunch to refuel.Later, continue your descent through changing alpine terrain and moorland until you reach Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, surrounded by lower-altitude forest and a sense of well-earned triumph.
-Elevation: 15,331 ft / 4,673 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,068 m
-Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
-Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
-Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After your last breakfast on the mountain which save in the morning leave mweka camp descent downhill via rainy forest to Mweka gate at lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate our vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to a hotel in Moshi for hot shower and leisure dinner overnight. Mweka Camp to–Mweka gate 3100Mt-1640Mt.
-Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,068 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
-Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Rainforest
-Meals: Breakfast.
WHAT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
-Bed and Breakfast, all transfer and all stated in the itinerary including entrance fees.
-The right is reserved to substitute hotels when necessary, for those described in this package.
