The Machame route is highly recommended for scenic value and has a medium to high success rate, especially if you choose the seven-day itinerary. The six-day option is not recommended for first-time trekkers. It is a good Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization as it has a climb high, sleep low opportunity for trekkers on day three. Here trekkers climb from Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, where they have lunch and then hike back down to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to sleep. Like all Kilimanjaro routes, the Machame is a challenging trek with stunning scenery through four diverse climatic zones. There is a good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb by adding an extra rest day at Karanga Camp (only available to seven-day trekkers) to leave hikers well-rested before summiting. The route has however got very popular over the past few years which means it can get busy, especially at Barranco where climbers join up with trekkers from the Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe routes. The Machame route only offers fully catered camping.
Summarized itinerary
Day 1: Arrival of your International Flight
Day 2: Transfer from Nairobi to Moshi
Day 3: Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 4: Machame Hut to Shira Camp
Day 5: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 6: Barrango Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Lower Mweka Camp
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Arusha
Day 10: Transfer to Nairobi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival of your International Flight
The arrival of your international flight, process your visa at the airport, meet our driver guide and transfer to your reserved lodge or hotel in Nairobi.
Day 2: Transfer from Nairobi to Moshi
After early morning breakfast, meet your driver-guide and transfer to Moshi by road about 327 km – 6 hours drive, you will have to process another visa to cross into Tanzania’s Loitokitok border, after crossing you will arrive at your reserved lodge in the evening, diner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The first day is an easy walk through the forest to a ridge between two streams, then on to the campground, which is just outside the forest. It should be noted that the woodland walk can be muddy, in which case trekking poles may come in handy.
Day 4: Machame Hut to Shira Camp
Ascend the steep, rocky ridge from Machame camp, through the moorland zone, heading straight toward the peak. After about 4 hours (at around 3,600m/11,808 ft.), the path veers to the left, flattening out into a gorge and ascending more gradually to Shira camp on the Shira plateau, to the west of Kibo.
Day 5: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
The path continues directly up the ridge toward Kibo. After about 4 hours, the path forks to the right and descends into a gorge (barranco), where you will spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 6: Barrango Camp to Karanga Camp
Cross the Barranco Valley, climb the Barranco Wall, then follow the Kibo South Circuit. If the weather is clear, the views of Kibo’s southern glaciers are wonderful. Lunch next to the river in the Karanga valley, and then continue to the intersection of the South Circuit with the Mweka ascent path. Turn left and climb up a ridge for about 2 hours to Barafu camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The day starts with a steep climb over screed and rock toward the Rebmann Glacier, passing a cliff before entering the gap between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, arriving at the crater rim near Stella Point (about 6-7 hr.).
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Lower Mweka Camp
One more hour of hiking takes you to Uhuru. Descend via Barafu hut (1-2 hr. from Stella Point) and then continue for another 3 or 4 hours to Mweka camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Arusha
A gentle walk takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate; successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, you will transfer back to Mweka Gate, dinner and overnight stay at your reserved lodge.
Day 10: Transfer to Nairobi
Early morning breakfast will be served, meet your driver guide and transfer to Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch up your flight back home.
End of tour
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Camping fees for the duration of the climb. 2 nights’ accommodation, one night each before and after the climb
- Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodation in Moshi. Private drop-off transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight
- Transport to and from Kilimanjaro gate
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
- National park entry fees
- Double layered sleeping mats
- 4-season mountain tents
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- We provide fair wages to the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) & Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Emergency first aid kit
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
- Government tax
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania visa charges
- Expenses that are personal in nature, like phone calls and laundry
- Anything mentioned optional on the itinerary
- Lunch & dinner at your hotel before and after the climb
- A single supplement for solo travelers
- All drinks
- Private portable toilet with a portable tent, you can rent this for USD 100 to be shared in a group
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
