Why Choose The Machame Route?

The Machame Route is known for its stunning scenery, gradual acclimatization, and high success rate, making it one of the most popular options for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Machame Route Itinerary

The itinerary below describes the 6 nights/7 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame route. To shorten the below itinerary to 6 days you skip the night in the Karanga Valley and instead walk straight from the Barranco Huts to the Barafu Huts in one day.

Arrival in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

  • Driving distance: 55 km

  • Driving Time: 1 hour

Machame Gate to Machame Hut Camp

The drive starts from Moshi to Machame gate by passing through the Machame village which is located on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. After gate formalities and permits we start the hiking in the montane rainforests through mossy trails until we reach Machame hut camp.

  • Distance: 11km/7miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7hours
  • Elevation: 5,380ft to 9,350ft
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

The trail starts with a gentle climb through the moorland, featuring open grasslands, low shrubs, and alpine flowers. The rocky, volcanic terrain provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You’ll see unique and diverse flora and fauna along the way. Upon reaching Shira 2 Camp, you’ll set up for the night, preparing for the next day’s hike.

  • Distance: 5km/3miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-6hours
  • Elevation: 9,350ft to 12,500ft
  • Habitat: Heath

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today’s hike goes from Shira Cave Camp (12,500 ft) to Lava Tower (15,000 ft), then down to Barranco Camp (13,000 ft). The trail starts with a gentle climb through high-altitude moorland, offering breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys. After a few hours, you’ll reach Lava Tower, a towering rock formation. You’ll rest there before heading to Barranco Camp. Though you’ll reach up to 15,000 ft, following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ rule will help with acclimatization.

  • Distance: 10km/6miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Elevation: 12,500ft to 15,190ft to 13,044ft
  • Vegetation: Alpine Desert

Baranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Our day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. We then climb the Great Barranco Wall, a long and tiring ascent, though not technical. Passing under the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head to the Karanga valley. After a steep climb from the valley, we reach Karanga camp at 3963m. For those feeling strong, there will be an afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before returning to camp for the night.

  • Distance: 5km/3miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5hours
  • Elevation:13,044 ft – 13,106 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

  • Distance: 4km/2miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5hours
  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

We start around midnight and climb steeply to the summit glaciers. The ascent on scree takes 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height quickly, with spectacular views. We should reach Stella Point (5739m) at sunrise, surrounded by ice cliffs and breathtaking views of Mawenzi peak. Another hour’s walk brings us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We then descend back to Stella Point, continue down the scree slope to Barafu Camp for breakfast, and finally head to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • Distance: 5km/3miles and 7km/4miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours
  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341ft and 12,434 ft
  • Habitat: Arctic to Heath

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged hotel.

  • Distance: 12km/7miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7hours
  • Elevation: 12,434 ft – 5,380 ft
  • Habitat: Rain forest
Arrival Departure
January 5th January 13th
January 12th January 20th
January 16th January 24th
January 23rd January 31st
January 30th February 7th
February 6th February 14th
February 15th February 23th
February 19th February 27th
February 25th March 5th
March 13th March 21st
May 25th June 2nd
June 1st June 9th
June 9th June 17th
June 17th June 25th
June 20th June 28th
June 24th July 2nd
June 27th July 5th
July 8th July 16th
July 18th July 26th
July 23rd July 31st
July 29th August 6th
August 6th August 14th
August 15th August 23rd
August 22nd August 30th
August 29th September 6th
September 5th September 13th
September 11th September 19th
September 20th September 28th
September 26th October 4th
October 4th October 12th
October 10th October 18th
October 17th October 25th
October 20th October 28th
October 23rd October 31st
November 3rd November 11th
November 13th November 21st
November 18th November 26th
December 3rd December 11th
December 12th December 20th
December 18th December 26th
December 26th January 3rd

Trek Highlights

Throughout your journey you will Witness incredible natural landscapes from lush forests to towering peaks, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of diverse wild animals, including majestic elephants, in their natural habitat.

What’s Included In The Price

We take a lot of pride in the value for money we provide to each and every client. Below are the prices for this adventure with per-person prices based on how many people are looking book. Our prices prioritize your health, safety and experience along your journey.

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi
  • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Accommodation at 3* hotel in Moshi (WeruWeru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay – friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents)
  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
  • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost
  • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)
  • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).
  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • If you choose extra comfort package you additionally will have walk-in tents, sleeping cots, hot water bottles for the night as well as portable toilets included
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters • GPS-tracking service
  • Complete medical kits including Diamox.
  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Popote Africa is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
  • International flights
  • Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew)
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others)
  • Personal gear rentals, lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb)
  • Portable toilets (if required – 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people)
  • Mountaineering insurance (special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000m)

About Our Accommodation and Facilities

After an invigorating hike through breath-taking landscapes, you’ll arrive at our fully equipped camps. Rest assured, these aren’t just empty spaces; our camps are meticulously prepared with all the food, water, and necessities you’ll need to refuel and recharge. From delicious, freshly prepared meals to ample supplies of purified drinking water, we’ve taken care of every detail, ensuring your comfort and well-being are paramount as you move along your adventure.

About Our Expert Team

It goes without saying that we treat our porters, cooks, and guides with the utmost respect and fairness. This is not just a policy, but an unbiased evaluation of our unwavering commitment to the fair treatment of our dedicated crew members.

How We Keep You Safe On The Mountain

We prioritize your wellbeing throughout your journey. We provide frequent health checks, fresh food, drinks and security to ensure that your adventure is the best it can be.

Physical Preparation & Packing

We strive to ensure you health & safety during your adventure, the best way to do that is to prepare yourself before you begin. Your journey will be challenging, so make sure that you are in tip top condition, Below are a few exercises we recommend.

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: Engage in aerobic activities such as hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, 4-5 times a week.
  • Strength Training: Focus on building leg muscles through squats, lunges, and stair climbing. Core and upper body strength are also important.
  • Hiking Practice: Go on hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate what you will experience on Kilimanjaro.

You can find more information on our Treq FAQs page by pressing the button below.

What Our Customers Say

Hear what our trekkers have to say about their incredible journey!

Martin S

I had an unforgettable experience with Kilinge Adventures, both on the Kilimanjaro trek and the safari afterward. Everything was extremely well organized, from airport pickup to the final day. The guides were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout the journey.

Vintage Row

From the first to last day they were all so professional and caring attending to my every need always with a smile on their faces.
The equipment and food offered was first class .
Victor the main guide such a great man whos knowledge of the mountain is impressive.
All of the team felt like good friends by the i completed the week.

Shaj

Had an absolutely amazing time climbing Kilimanjaro with Kilinge Adventures! Prices were very competitive and I managed to book a tour and join a group at very short notice, just a day before the trek. The trek was extremely well organised with the guides and porters ensuring that all our needs were met and to make the climb as enjoyable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Machame Route is designed to provide ample time for acclimatization, with a slower pace and lower daily altitude gain compared to some of the other routes. This gradual pace helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness, making it a popular choice. However it still includes the challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall and a steep climb to the summit on the final night.
The Machame Route on Kilimanjaro is approximately 63 kms (39 miles) in length from start to finish. It is usually done over 7 days, but a shorter 6-day itinerary is also possible. The average daily altitude gain is about 700m per day, with the summit day climb of 1200m.
Due to it’s “climb high, sleep low” profile, summit success rates on the Machame route are very high. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 85% for the 7 day trek and a 73% success rate for the 6 day trek. However, we have a 95% summit success rate for the Machame route.
The scenery is extremely varied and you will pass through 5 climatic zones on your way to the summit. The trek begins in rain forest on the lower slopes before continuing up into the low alpine zone of wild grasslands and moorlands. From there you trek into the high alpine zone before reaching the glacial zone. You will encounter many incredible vistas and visit stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco and Lava Tower.

Have a Question About Our Kilimanjaro Climbs?

Planning your Kilimanjaro climb? Get the answers you need about difficulty, acclimatization, and what’s included in our trekking packages.