Duration

6 Days 5 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

6 Days Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking, Trekking

Overview

The Machame route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking tours on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts in the lush rainforest with views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of the Kilimanjaro – Kibo peak. The Machame route contains more steep passages at higher altitudes than for example the Marangu or Rongai routes and requires better fitness and determination from the mountain climber, but it’s worth it. The terrain is diverse and interesting and the views are spectacular. This route joins the longer Lemosho route at Shira Camp 2.

Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave park gate behind, our walk starts through the rain forest on a winding trail up the ridge. At some sections the trail can be muddy and slippery, so the gaiters and trekking poles are a good to bring.
- Distance: 11 km Hiking
- Time: 5 - 7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The second day continues through increasingly sparse trees and bushes into moorlands. The day finishes with Shira Camp, which is on a small plateau in the high moorlands, and features views of Kibo in the northeast and Mount Meru towards the west. White necked ravens can be seen throughout the day. There is also a set of small caves a short walk from the campsite known as the Shira Caves.
- Distance: 5 km Hiking
- Time: 4 - 6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today’s route turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. Lunch will be served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to Lava Tower. After lunch you descent again to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, you will feel actual benefit of acclimatization. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
- Distance: 10 km Hiking
- Time: 6 - 8 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we take short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. After a short and well deserved break we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.
- Distance: 9 km Hiking
- Time: 8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Ice-fields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Distance: 10 km Hiking
- Time: 3 - 4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Government Tax
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Pre and after Trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Moshi with bed & breakfast (BB) meal

Price excludes

Both Local and International Flights
Visa cost which is 50$ except for Canadian and USA passport holders which are 100$
Items of a personal nature
Medical insurance
Laundry Services
A doctor for the group
Tips and gratitude for the mountain crew
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Kilimanjaro?
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
- How high is it?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
- What kind of experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
- What gear do I need?
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
- Can I shower?
There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.
- How long is the hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five).
- How much will it cost?
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
- What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
- Where does the water come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
- Do we sleep in hotels?
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from us.
- What dangers are there on the mountain?
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
- Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
- How old should I be to make it to the top?
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. We prefers our climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.
- Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

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from $1,460.00

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6 Days Machame Route

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 3

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 5

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 6

Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

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