Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
On the Machame Route you will be treated to very diverse untamed landscapes throughout your ascent, starting with dense tropical forests, steppe dotted with giant ragwort, rock deserts and finally the glacial zone, with views of Mount Meru and Shira along the way. The route contains more steep passages and higher altitudes than the Marangu route and is slightly more demanding, but it is also great for acclimatisation and has a high success rate.
The Machame Route does not involve any technical climbing but it definitely requires a very good level of overall physical fitness. The only downside to choosing this route to the summit is that it can get quite busy during peak periods. Nonetheless, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience every time!
Our standard Machame Route itinerary is 7 days and 6 nights. However, most of our departures being private, we are very flexible and can adapt the itinerary to your preferences and endurance by making it longer or shorter.
Machame Route is a total of 60 kilometres in length. There will be approximately 6 hours of walking per day, except for the last two days where you will walk 10 hours and 7 hours respectively. The difference in altitude goes from + 730 meters to + 1200 meters per day.
Accommodation
Your accommodation during your ascension will be in tents in established camps. No electricity is available in the camps so we recommend that climbers bring power banks and extra batteries. Public toilets are available at the camps, but there are no showers and no Wi-Fi.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Transfer from Moshi town to Machame Gate / Climb to Machame Camp (3000m)
Early morning welcome at the hotel and drive to Machame Gate where the check-in formalities take about 30 minutes. From this gate, we start our trek on an easy trail through dense forest for the first hour. The trail continues along the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections along the way. The slope drops slightly as the forest becomes heather-covered ground and we reach Machame camp.
DAY 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3840m)
From Machame Camp, we cross the stream on its western bank and follow an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. Later the route turns west and we walk along a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp, located at the base of a rock wall.
DAY 3
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3950m)
This day is for acclimatisation. After breakfast, we climb to the junction of the Lava Tower (4600 m) and then descend to Baranco Camp (3950 m). This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through the Karanga Valley. Lunch will be eaten along the way, before heading back to the camp for dinner and rest.
DAY 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4100m)
From Barranco Camp, we climb through across the edge of the great Barranco Wall. The trail is steep and demanding, but when we reach the top, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views. After a short break, we will descend through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp where we will spend the night.
DAY 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4600m)
Today we will gain a little more altitude and acclimatize at Barafu Camp. We will have an early dinner and rest as much as possible before our summit attempt in the early morning.
DAY 6
Barafu Camp to Summit (5895m), then down to Mweka Camp (3200m)
You will wake up around midnight and after a quick breakfast; you will head out into the dark and cold night via Stella Point, towards the summit - Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Once you have reached the summit, the cold and fatigue will set in quickly and you may find it difficult to get moving again. So take a little time to enjoy your victory, take in the view and don’t forget to take some pictures! After this short stop, we will start our descent towards Barafu Camp where a well-deserved lunch and a little rest awaits us, before resuming our descent to Mweka Camp where we will have dinner and spend the night.
DAY 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, we will walk for 3 hours through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where a vehicle will be waiting for you for to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. But before your departure, you will sign the register to mark the end of your adventure; and to make your achievement official, you will receive a certificate.
Included in package
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Team of porters to carry your luggage and other supplies for the group
- All park fees
- Rescue fees
- All camping equipment
- All meals while on the mountain
- Salaries for climbing crew
- Government taxes, VAT and all related service charges
- Emergency oxygen
- Transport from hotel to park gate on Day 1 and return to hotel on Day 7
Not included in package
- Flights
- Visa for entry into Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages or any other items of a personal nature)
- Portable toilets
- Your personal clothing, footwear and climbing gear (warm clothing and other mountain gear can be rented in Moshi the day before your departure)
- Additional nights requested by traveller for acclimatisation purposes
- Tips for your climbing crew : suggested amount for your Guide - $25/day, Assistant guide - $15/day, Cook $15/day and Porter $10/day
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport can be arranged for an additional cost