Machame Route
MACHAME ROUTE 7-DAYS
- 7 days on the mountain + 2 Nights in the Hotel
- Kilimanjaro
The Machame route climb starts above the picturesque mountain village of Machame to the south of Kilimanjaro. After passing through the rain forest and into the moorland zone, we will clamber up and over some rocks and eventually emerge onto the Shira Plateau. We then proceed along the southern circuit route counter-clockwise below the face of Kibo, ascend the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging and exhilarating rock scramble, and approach Uhuru Peak from Barafu and the ridge that abuts the Southeast Valley. The climb from Barafu Camp offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
Classic route to the summit; ideal for those seeking proper acclimatization for a high chance of success, yet without extra days to spare.
- Beautiful rain forest above Machame Village leads to the Shira Plateau.
- Overnight in the remote Lava Tower camp with views of the Western Breach.
- A challenging and exhilarating rock scramble up the Great Barranco Wall.
- From Barafu incredible views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $1912
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE MACHAME ROUTE
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Machame Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
Kilimanjaro – Machame Route Daily Distance, Time & Elevation
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| Day | Activity / Location | Hiking Distance | Hiking Time | Elevation Start | Elevation Finish | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival | – | – | 6,000’ / 1830m | – | – |
| 2 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp | 6.6 mi / 10.6 km | 5 hours | 6,000’ / 1830m | 9,950’ / 3030m | 3,950’ / 1200m |
| 3 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp | 3.5 mi / 5.6 km | 4 hours | 9,950’ / 3030m | 12,620’ / 3850m | 2,670’ / 820m |
| 4 | Shira Camp to Lava Tower Camp | 4.4 mi / 7.0 km | 5 hours | 12,620’ / 3850m | 15,230’ / 4640m | 2,610’ / 790m |
| 5 | Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp | 5.9 mi / 9.5 km | 6 hours | 15,230’ / 4640m | 13,250’ / 4040m | -1,980’ / -600m |
| 6 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | 2.4 mi / 3.9 km | 4 hours | 13,250’ / 4040m | 15,360’ / 4680m | 2,110’ / 640m |
| 7 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp | 3.0 mi / 4.9 km (ascent), 5.3 mi / 8.5 km (descent) | 6–7 hrs to Uhuru, 4 hrs to Millennium | 15,360’ / 4680m | Uhuru Peak: 19,340’ / 5895m → Millennium: 12,530’ / 3820m | +3,980’ / +1215m, -6,810’ / -2075m |
| 8 | Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate | 8.5 mi / 13.7 km | 4 hours | 12,530’ / 3820m | 5,380’ / 1640m | -7,150’ / -2180m |
| 9 | Moshi Town Tour / Departure | – | – | – | – | – |
🗓️ Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival 🌍
Arrival in Kilimanjaro. Transfer to Marangu (approx. 2 hours). Overnight: Marangu Hotel | Meals: DDay 2 – Machame Gate → Machame Camp 🌿
Drive to Machame Gate and start the climb through lush tropical forest to Machame Camp. Meals: B, L, DDay 3 – Machame Camp → Shira Camp 🌄
Ascend through heather and moorland zones with scenic views to Shira Camp on the plateau. Meals: B, L, DDay 4 – Shira Camp → Lava Tower Camp 🧗
Climb steadily through alpine desert to reach Lava Tower Camp (15,000 ft) for acclimatization. Meals: B, L, DDay 5 – Lava Tower → Karanga Camp 🥾
Descend from Lava Tower, conquer the Great Barranco Wall, and continue to Karanga Camp. Meals: B, L, DDay 6 – Karanga → Barafu Camp ⛰️
Steady uphill hike to Barafu Camp, the staging point for the summit attempt. Meals: B, L, DDay 7 – Summit Day: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp 🎉
Begin the summit ascent around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend to Millennium Camp. Meals: B, L, DDay 8 – Descent to Mweka Gate 🌳
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Enjoy a celebration lunch and transfer to Moshi. Overnight: Ameg Lodge | Meals: B, L, DDay 9 – Moshi Town Tour / Departure ✈️
Relax and explore Moshi town before departure or continue your onward journey. Meals: BTrip Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (before & after climb)
- Group transport to/from trailhead
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, VAT
- Guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Bottled oxygen (for emergency use only)
- Private toilet
- Four-season 3-person mountain tents (double occupancy)
- Sleeping pad (foam, 1.5 inch thick)
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel