The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of the first-time trekkers use the route as well and do just fine. It is rated as one of Kilimanjaro’s best routes and thus is recommended.
The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of the first-time trekkers use the route as well and do just fine. It is rated as one of Kilimanjaro’s best routes and thus is recommended.
Journey to Machame Gate, Trek to Machame Camp
Machame - Elevation: 1830m to 3050m | Distance: 11km/7mi | Hiking Duration: 5-6 Hours
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 45 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes. Departing from the park gate,…
Journey to Machame Gate, Trek to Machame Camp
Machame - Elevation: 1830m to 3050m | Distance: 11km/7mi | Hiking Duration: 5-6 Hours
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 45 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes. Departing from the park gate, the trail winds through the rainforest, ascending a ridge. At lower elevations, the path may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.
Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3050m to 3850m | Distance: 5km/3mi | Walking Duration: 4-5 Hours
After breakfast, the journey leaves the rainforest glades and follows an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge, leading to the Shira campsite.
Trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3850m to 4000m | Distance: 10km/6mi | Walking Duration: 5-6 Hours
From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction shifts to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, the path reaches the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. The journey then descends to Barranco Camp. Although the day ends at a similar elevation as it began, it is crucial for acclimatization, aiding in preparation for summit day.
Trek from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4050m to 4700m | Distance: 9km/5mi | Hiking Duration: 7 Hours
The trek continues to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides views of the summit from various angles. Here, camp is set up, dinner is enjoyed, and preparations for summit day are made.
Trek from Barafu Camp to Summit, Descend to Mweka Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4700m to 5895m | Descend to 3090m | Distance: 5km/3mi Up / 13km/8mi Down
In the early morning (midnight to 2 am), the ascent to the summit begins between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The path heads northwest, ascending through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most mentally and physically demanding of the trek. At Stella Point, a short rest is taken, offering a chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, snow may be encountered during the 1-hour ascent to the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak marks the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent! The descent begins directly to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are advisable for the loose gravel on the descent. The day concludes at Mweka Camp, enjoying the final evening on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi

- Salaries for mountain crew included
- Qualified mountain guide team
- Basic first aid kit for emergencies
- Emergency oxygen for emergencies
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Camping gear: Tents, Chairs, Tables & Mattress
- Daily water supply for washing up
- All fees and taxes covered
- Return airport transfers included
- Pre- and post-climb hotel with meals
- Salaries for mountain crew included
- Qualified mountain guide team
- Basic first aid kit for emergencies
- Emergency oxygen for emergencies
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Camping gear: Tents, Chairs, Tables & Mattress
- Daily water supply for washing up
- All fees and taxes covered
- Return airport transfers included
- Pre- and post-climb hotel with meals
- Visas, Flights, Health & Travel Insurances
- Gratuities
- Items of personal nature
- Individual trekking gears
- Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic Beverages
- Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
- Visas, Flights, Health & Travel Insurances
- Gratuities
- Items of personal nature
- Individual trekking gears
- Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic Beverages
- Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.