Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Machame Route
The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and recommendation among climbers. This favored route meanders through captivating forests, ascends to a ridge that navigates the moorland zones towards the expansive Shira Plateau. Gradually traversing underneath the glaciated cliffs of the Southern Ice fields, it eventually connects with the Barafu Route for the ultimate ascent to the summit.
Duration: 6 days
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transported to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, a 4-star bed and breakfast or any other hotel of similar status, for your first night’s stay. Subsequently, your designated lead guide will meet with you to conduct a briefing, evaluate your gear, and help you make arrangements for renting any required equipment.
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
Starting from Moshi, a brief 45-minute journey will lead you through the charming Village of Machame towards the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. Here at the gate is where you sign up, get a permit, and start your hiking adventure. Delight in the lush rainforest vistas and winding paths as your guide shares insights about the indigenous plant life, wildlife, and nature all the way up to the Machame Camp. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
After a peaceful night’s sleep and a nourishing breakfast, we exit the rainforest and press on along an ascending route, crossing the valley via a precipitous rocky ridge. The trail veers westward, guiding us through a river gorge until we reach our destination at the Shira campsite.
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
This day is crucial for the acclimatization process as you will be climbing high and coming back low. Departing from Shira Plateau, we proceed eastward along a ridge, passing the intersection that leads to Kibo peak before heading southeast towards the notable Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Following the tower, we reach a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier, then descend for overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 676m
Following breakfast, our journey leads us up a challenging ridge towards the Barranco Wall, where we navigate through to the Karanga Valley and the path that links with the Mweka Trail. This day showcases the remarkable skills and resilience of your support team as they expertly surmount the Barranco Wall with apparent ease. Pushing onward, we make our way towards the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This segment treats you to a multitude of awe-inspiring vistas of the summit from varying perspectives. As evening sets in, we enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for the imminent summit night. Our overnight stay will be at the Barafu Camp.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Anticipation mounts as the morning arrives, signaling an early departure typically between midnight and 2 a.m. This segment represents the pinnacle of mental and physical endurance on the journey. Progressing with a series of switchbacks in a northwesterly course, we ascend through loose scree towards Stella Point on the rim of the crater. A brief pause at Stella Point rewards you with a breathtaking sunrise. Uhuru Peak is approximately 1 hour from Stella Point. Expect to encounter snow throughout the remaining part of the journey. Step by step, slowly and steadily, you will finally reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. Well done on this remarkable achievement!
Take a moment to relish this incredible achievement, celebrate, take photos, and shed some tears of joy. We will begin our descent to Mweka Camp after that. We highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles to navigate the challenging loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Break at Barafu Camp for lunch and a brief rest and proceed afterward descending to Mweka Camp. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After enjoying breakfast and engaging in a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, it is time to bid farewell. Descend further down towards the Mweka Park Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. The weather becomes noticeably warmer, and the terrain transforms into wet, muddy, and steep pathways; therefore, gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Upon reaching the gate, a vehicle will be waiting at Mweka village to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately 30 minutes away. Indulge in a long-overdue hot shower, relish a delicious dinner, and celebrate this remarkable achievement with joy and fulfillment!