Machame Route

Machame Route Overview

he Machame route is our second favourite route on Kilimanjaro. Together with Lemosho, it is widely considered the most scenic with beautiful views and a rich variety of terrain. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that it is a very popular Kilimanjaro route, with the latest figures suggesting that just over 20,000 people climb the Machame route each year. It’s popularity is unfortunately therefore it’s only downfall, in that it can get quite overcrowded in peak season.

The acclimatisation profile of the Machame route is great, making use of the climb high sleep low concept most effectively. The route approaches from south and has a comparatively high success rate, especially for climbers who choose the seven-day option. The six-day itinerary is not recommended for first-time trekkers as it provides less time for acclimatisation. There are no huts, and only camping is possible on the Machame.

Everything About Machame Route

1. Unveil the Majesty of Kilimanjaro: Prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of Kilimanjaro along the Machame Route. From the lush rainforests to the towering glaciers, each step unveils a new facet of this iconic mountain. Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes and immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await you on this unforgettable adventure.

2. Luxurious Camp Accommodations: Indulge in the comfort of camp-based accommodations along the Machame Route. Relax in cozy tents equipped with all the amenities you need for a restful night’s sleep. With attentive staff catering to your every need, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in comfort and relaxation amidst Kilimanjaro’s pristine wilderness.

3. Tailored Itinerary Options: Whether you’re seeking a standard 6-day trek or a leisurely 7-day journey, Machame Route offers the flexibility to customize your Kilimanjaro experience. Opt for the 6-day itinerary for a thrilling adventure, or choose the 7-day option for additional time to acclimatize and soak in the stunning scenery. With both options designed to maximize your enjoyment and success, you can embark on the adventure of a lifetime at your own pace.

4. Exceptional Success Rates: With its gradual ascent profile and strategic acclimatization stops, Machame Route boasts impressive success rates for summiting Kilimanjaro. Rest assured that you’re on a route engineered for success, with experienced guides leading the way and expertly managing your journey. Whether you choose the 6-day or 7-day itinerary, Machame Route offers a high probability of reaching the summit and realizing your Kilimanjaro dreams.

5. Personalized Service and Support: Embark on your Machame Route adventure with the personalized service and unwavering support of our dedicated team. From tailored trip planning to attentive guidance on the mountain, we’re committed to ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction every step of the way. Trust in our expertise and passion for adventure as we lead you on an unforgettable journey to the top of Africa.

Begin Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Today:

Ready to conquer Kilimanjaro via the legendary Machame Route? Join us and let us turn your dreams into reality. With our unmatched expertise, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we’ll make your Kilimanjaro adventure truly extraordinary. Contact us now to embark on the journey of a lifetime and experience the magic of Machame Route firsthand.

6 Days Machame Route Itinerary

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75k /7mi | 5-6 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m

Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

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

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to 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

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at 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

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight 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 breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

7 Days Machame Route Itinerary

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75k /7mi | 5-6 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m

AAfter a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

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

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m

DAY 5: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3km /2 mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5km /7.2mi 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

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

Kilimanjaro Climbing FAQ’s

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Kilimanjaro Climb:

How high is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest peak in Africa.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, which are from January to March and June to October. These months typically offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The duration of the climb depends on the route chosen, but most treks take between 5 to 9 days to complete. Longer durations allow for better acclimatization and increase the chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Do I need to be an experienced climber to climb Kilimanjaro?

No prior climbing experience is necessary, but a good level of physical fitness and mental preparation are crucial. Many climbers successfully reach the summit with the help of experienced guides and proper training.

What is altitude sickness, and how can I prevent it?

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition caused by the body's inability to adjust to the decreased oxygen levels at high altitudes. To prevent it, climbers should acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if recommended by a healthcare professional.

What gear do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a backpack. It's also important to have proper high-altitude gear like insulated jackets and gloves.

Which route should I take to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are several routes to choose from, each offering unique experiences and varying degrees of difficulty. Popular routes include the Machame Route, Marangu Route, Lemosho Route, and Rongai Route. The choice depends on factors such as your fitness level, budget, and preferences for scenery and solitude.

Do I need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, it is mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro with a certified guide. Guides provide valuable assistance, ensure safety, and help with navigation, especially in challenging conditions.

What accommodation options are available during the climb?

Accommodation on Kilimanjaro typically consists of tented campsites along the trekking routes. Some routes, like the Marangu Route, offer basic mountain huts with bunk beds. Luxury options, including premium tented camps, are available on certain routes for those seeking more comfort.

Is it safe to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally safe when proper precautions are taken, such as choosing a reputable tour operator, acclimatizing adequately, and following safety guidelines. However, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with high-altitude trekking, including altitude sickness and adverse weather conditions.

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Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

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