Machame Route is the second most popular and one of the most picturesque trails on the mountain. Machame route provides an immersive experience as all climbers sleep in tents (tents are included), and meals are served in a dinner tent or in an open-air setting.
This 7-day Machame Route mountain kilimanjaro climbing offers better acclimatization, increasing the chances of success. It is designed for physically fit individuals with some hiking experience. The descent follows the Mweka trail, with the final night spent at the Mweka or Millenium camp.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will warmly welcome you and transport you to Moshi town or Arusha city. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to Moshi or one hour to Arusha, assuming no traffic delays. You’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and the opportunity to gather any necessary rental items and pack for the trek. Any extra luggage not needed for the trek can be safely stored at the hotel. If time allows, we recommend an additional rest day before starting your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge in Moshi town or Forest Hills in Arusha city
The day begins with a drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a journey that typically takes 30-45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming village of Machame, nestled on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you depart from the park gate, your trek through the rainforest commences, following a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can become muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles come in handy. Afterward, you’ll continue until you reach Machame Camp.
— Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
— Distance: 11km/7mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp
Following breakfast, you’ll depart from the rainforest and continue along an ascending path, crossing a valley via a steep rocky ridge. As you progress, the route shifts to the southeast, leading you to the Shira campsite.
— Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Walking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp
Leaving the Shira Plateau, your journey takes you eastward up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Your path then turns south-east toward the Lava Tower, aptly named the ‘Shark’s Tooth’ (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). After the Lava Tower, the route descends to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at a similar elevation to where you started, this day plays a crucial role in acclimatization, preparing your body for summit day.
— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Walking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
After breakfast, your trek continues as you ascend the renowned Barranco Wall. This section is likely the steepest part of the entire route, but it does not involve technical climbing. Upon reaching the top, you’ll walk along the mountain ridge, weather permitting, offering a fantastic view of Kibo’s southern glacier. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp for your overnight stay.
— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
Your journey continues to the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit, which provides unique views of the summit from various angles. At Barafu, you’ll set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day ahead.
— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Mweka Camp
In the early morning, typically between midnight and 2 am, you’ll continue your ascent toward the summit, situated between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You’ll head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the trek is mentally and physically challenging. At Stella Point, you’ll take a brief rest and witness an awe-inspiring sunrise. Faster hikers may experience the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Your descent begins from the summit, proceeding straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. It’s advisable to have gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel during the descent. You’ll arrive at Mweka Camp, where you’ll savor your last evening on the mountain.
— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Descent to: 3090m/10,150ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
— Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi town or Arusha city
After breakfast, your descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. You can wear shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing within reach. From the gate, it’s another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to transport you to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 30-minute drive. Don’t forget to show your appreciation to your guides and porters.
— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure or continue your journey with an exciting safari.
Meals included: Breakfast”
| NO. of PAX in one group | 1 PAX | 2 -3 | 4-6 | 7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price pr. person | $3505 | $2895 | $2695 | $2495 |
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