Machame Route
MACHAME ROUTE 7-DAYS
- 10 days / 9 nights (7 days on the mountain)
- 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!
Daily Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Trek
Itinerary Overview
This trek covers 7 – 22 kilometers per day on mountain trails at elevations between 1,400 and 2,200 meters. The walking is strenuous, with steep and sometimes slippery trails. Expect challenging hikes due to the many ridges and valleys, but your guide will maintain a slow and steady pace suitable for your group. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Overnights are spent in comfortable camps with spacious walk-in tents (for 1-2 people or families). Enjoy locally-inspired meals served in a dining tent, prepared by our expert mountain cooks.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 4: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 5: Shira Camp to Lava Tower Camp
Day 6: Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town
Day 10: Moshi Town
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to Marangu, Kilimanjaro, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: Dinner (D)
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Enjoy a morning to rest and relax. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. Later, embark on a guided tour around Marangu Villages, with opportunities to swim in the river and waterfall.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 3: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, we drive to the Machame Gate, where you will meet your guides and mountain crew before entering Kilimanjaro National Park. We begin our climb at 6,000 feet, walking through lush tropical forest. Keep an eye out for unique plant species, birdlife, and possibly blue or colobus monkeys.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today is an acclimatization day with a moderate-paced hike over streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. Camp is set on the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Shira Camp to Lava Tower Camp
Today is key for acclimatization as we ascend to an elevation above 15,000 feet. The landscape transitions from alpine moorland to a desert zone with incredible views of the Western Breach.
Overnight: Lava Tower Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp
After descending from Lava Tower, we tackle the Great Barranco Wall—an exhilarating challenge. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier before descending into the Karanga Valley and making the final climb to our ridge-top camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trail turns steeply uphill as we reach Barafu Camp, our staging point for the summit. After an early dinner, we prepare our equipment and rest before the summit attempt.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
We rise at midnight for an early breakfast and begin our ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, reaching it by daybreak. After celebrating at the peak, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then continue to Millennium Camp.
Overnight: Millennium Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town
Our final descent takes us through lush forests to Mweka Gate. After a celebration lunch, we transfer to Moshi Town to relax.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Moshi Town
After breakfast, those continuing to safari or Zanzibar depart. Those returning home can explore Moshi’s market and curio shops before their airport transfer.
Meals: B
Inclusions ✅
✔️ All accommodations for 10 days / 9 nights
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
✔️ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
✔️ All camping and dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag and pad)
✔️ Portable private toilet at all camps
✔️ Supplemental oxygen for emergency descents
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and park gates
✔️ Guided Village walking tour
✔️ Guided Moshi Town walking tour
Exclusions ❌
❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Additional accommodations & meals due to airline schedule changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices if affected by:
Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
Exchange rate fluctuations
Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs
Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.