Tour Overview
The best time to climb Machame Route is during the dry seasons of January to March and June to October. This is when the weather conditions are more favorable for a successful ascent. The Kilimanjaro Machame Route stands as a thrilling pathway to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. Comprising adventure and stunning vistas the Machame Route signals an enticing option for those ready to take on the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing challenge.
Even though the trail of the Machame Route is moderately difficult, it’s still very doable. The blend of shorter duration, good acclimatization profile, and wonderful surroundings make this one of the best Kilimanjaro Routes.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Kaliwa Lodge (Premium
Day 2: Big Tree camp to Shira 1 camp
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft
Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation Gain: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300 foot high volcanic plug. If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views. From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, the scenecios.
This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days time and will take 1-2 hours. Although you will end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation Gain: 350 metres / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feet
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation Gain: 650 metres / 2,150 feet
Today you will spend the morning climbing steadily on to Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descending to Mweka Camp
Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.
At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Mweka Hut Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Day 8: Departure
Today you will be transferred back to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your flight.
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- Park Fees
- Camping Fees
- Rescue Fees
- Head Guide
- Assistants Guides
- Cook, & Porters Salaries
- All Food & Drinking Water
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport To / From Park Entry
- & 18% VAT Tax
- Accommodation in Moshi including breakfast pre- climb and complimentary celebration dinner from Mallya Tours and lunch post climb
- Two airport transfers
- Hiring of personal equipment including clothing , sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
- Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$22 per day to the head guide , $20 per day per assistant guide, 20 per day to the cook and 10$ per day per porter)
- Private Toilet upon request
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- Any drinks and lunches in Moshi
