MACHAME
Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp. For travelers who have a few extra days in their schedule, Machame route is an excellent option.
​
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 62 km
Duration: 6-8 days
Success rate: High
Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing the Machame route:
​
Scenery
The Machame route is known for its stunning scenery, which includes lush rainforests, beautiful valleys, and breathtaking views of the mountain. The route also provides climbers with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and vegetation along the way.
​
High success rate
The Machame route has a high success rate of reaching the summit compared to other routes. This is because it provides ample time for acclimatization, which is crucial for a successful climb.
​
Varied terrain
The Machame route offers a varied terrain, which makes the climb more interesting and challenging. Climbers will encounter steep ridges, rocky trails, and some scrambling sections, which make for an exciting adventure.
​
Fewer crowds
While the Machame route is popular, it is not as crowded as some of the other routes, such as the Marangu route. This means that you will have more space to yourself and can enjoy the scenery in peace.
Sunset and sunrise views.
​
Camping
Most climbers who take the Machame Route choose to camp along the way. There are designated campsites at various points on the route, each offering different levels of comfort and facilities.
​
ITIRENARY
Arusha
You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. You will meet your guide for a briefing and gear check. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
​
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
​
Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Machame Gate. After registration and park fees, you will start hiking through dense rainforest for about 6-7 hours to reach Machame Camp. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
​
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
​
Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, you will start hiking towards Shira Camp. The trail leads through heather and moorland zones with stunning views of the Shira Plateau. The hike will take around 5-6 hours. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Health and Moorland
​
Day 3 - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will hike towards Lava Tower (4,640m) for acclimatization. After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp through the breathtaking Barranco Wall. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Habitat: Semi Desert
​
Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you will climb the famous Barranco Wall before continuing on to Karanga Camp. The hike will take approximately 4-5 hours. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
​
Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you will climb towards Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night. This is a half day climbing so you have plenty of time to rest before the summit day. The hike will take around 3-5 hours. After lunch and a rest, you will prepare for the summit attempt. Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 13,123 ft to 15,288 ft
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
​
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
You will start the summit attempt just before midnight. The climb will take around 6-8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. By dawn, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft and be greeted by the most magnificent sun rise you could imagine. From here you have about 1 hr hike to the Uhuru Peak. After a short celebration, and pictures, you will start descending to Mweka Camp through scree and rock formations. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft
Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours ascent & 4 to 6 hours descent
Distance: 8 km/5 miles ascent & 11km/7 miles descent
Habitat: Arctic
​
Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, you will descend to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
​
Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
​
​
​
​
​