Machame Climbing Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trek/Climb

Mount Kilimanjaro - The day begins with a delicious breakfast and a briefing with the tour guide. From Arusha, the journey proceeds to Moshi. The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes.
Upon leaving the park gate, the trek continues through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Machame Climbing Route Mount Kilimanjaro Road/Hike

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves the rainforest glades and continues on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route then turns west into a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Machame Ascending Route Mt Kilimanjaro Path

Mount Kilimanjaro - From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, the second junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. The trek then descends to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, rest, dinner, and overnight are enjoyed. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, it is crucial for acclimatization and prepares the body for summit day.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert

Machame Hiking Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trail

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is intended for acclimatization.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Machame Ascent Route Mount Kilimanjaro Course

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek leaves Karanga and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The trek continues up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Here, camp is set up, dinner is enjoyed, and preparations for summit day are made. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Machame Trekking Route Mount Kilimanjaro Passage/Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro - At 2 AM, the trek to the summit begins. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), a short rest is taken, and the most magnificent sunrise is witnessed (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro is reached.
From the summit, the descent to Mweka Hut campsite begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, the last dinner on the mountain is enjoyed, followed by a well-deserved sleep.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

Machame Climb Route Mount Kilimanjaro Direction/Way

Mount Kilimanjaro - The best is saved for last. After breakfast, the final descent to the Mweka Park Gate begins to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, another hour’s walk leads to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Arusha.
Mweka Camp to Moshi - Transfer to Arusha
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Departure Day

Arusha Region - Guests will be picked up from their hotel and driven to the airport to catch a flight back home.

• 7 days accommodation
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• National Park fees included
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Gratuities
• Trekking gear e.g. Clothes, shoes etc.

The Machame Route begins in the south west of the mountain and proceeds steeply north over two days until attaining the edge of the Shira Plateau at 3900m. From here it drops 50 metres to Shira Camp where it joins the Lemosho and Shira Routes onwards to the summit. From Shira Camp the view west over the jagged peaks forming the southern edge of the Shira Plateau is phenomenal at sunset.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.