Machame Route
Duration
- 8 Days
- 7 Nights
Destinations
Arusha | Machame Gate | Machame Camp | Shira 2 Camp | Barranco Camp | Lava Tower | Karanga Camp | Barafu Camp | Mweka Camp | Uhuru Peak
About this Tour
An exhilarating adventure to the “Roof of Africa,” the Machame Route combines breathtaking landscapes, diverse habitats, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. This route allows for a gradual ascent, offering trekkers the best chance to summit Mount Kilimanjaro while enjoying the beauty of Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Full Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport (JRO)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our representatives. Transfer to your booked hotel in Moshi, a charming town nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax and prepare for the thrilling adventure ahead, with a detailed briefing provided by your trekking guide. Enjoy dinner and a restful night at your hotel.
Meals: D
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
After an early breakfast, drive to Machame Gate where registration and permits are finalized. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and vibrant flora. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and exotic birds as you ascend along a winding trail. Arrive at Machame Camp, your first stop on the journey, to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: B / L / D
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Heath
Leave the rainforest behind as the trail steepens, leading you to the moorland zone. The climb reveals expansive views of the Shira Plateau, a unique volcanic landscape filled with heather and giant lobelias. Enjoy the surreal beauty as you cross river gorges and volcanic ridges, reaching Shira 2 Camp for dinner and rest under the stars.
Meals: B / L / D
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
This crucial acclimatization day involves a gradual ascent to the Lava Tower, where you’ll experience higher altitudes to prepare for summit day. After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the striking Senecio Forest. Although you end the day at a lower elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes improves acclimatization.
Meals: B / L / D
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today begins with a thrilling climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable ascent with stunning views of Kibo Peak. Once at the top, traverse a series of valleys and ridges before descending into Karanga Valley. A final uphill stretch takes you to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimatize further.
Meals: B / L / D
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trek through barren landscapes to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit push. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Meals: B / L / D
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (6-8 hours)|
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft (4-6 hours)
Distance: 17 km | 10 miles| Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Start the summit push around midnight, ascending to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Witness a breathtaking sunrise at the summit. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and continue to Mweka Camp.
Meals: B / L / D
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
Trek through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Moshi for relaxation or onward travel arrangements.
Meals: B
What we have
The Best & Professional Guides
The Best Custom-Made Trekking Experience
Make Your Trekking a Lifetime Experience
Related this Tour
Included
- Guides and Crew
- Meals
- Transport from and to the hotel
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to/from airport upon arrival/departure
- Group Equipment
- Climbing Permits
Excluded
- International Flights
- Visa Fees and Entry Requirements
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Gear
- Gratuities and Tips
- Optional Activities
