Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Machame Route up Kilimanjaro is a beautiful route that rewards hikers with stunning views

The 8-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route is a beautiful route up Mount Kilimanjaro that allows you to experience the southwest and south sides of the mountain. This hiking route is better suited to more adventurous hikers, and it also rewards you with spectacular views. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo's great Barranco Wall, the Machame Route offers hikers a continuous scenic slide show.

The Machame offers hikers an intermediate ascent and descent, therefore, a more successful acclimatization period that equates to a higher success rate for those looking to get all the way up to Uhuru Peak.

On the Machame, you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dining tent or on a blanket outside looking down on Africa. All equipment and supplies are carried by porters and a cook prepares all your meals.

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Day 1: Machame region, Kilimanjaro

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (Near Arusha) and meet our representative before proceeding to our hotel for the start of our Kilimanjaro expedition.
• The Aishi Machame Hotel offers up everything that one needs for a pleasant stay; comfy and clean rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool and internet access.
• In the evening, a briefing with our climbing guides, information on our planned excursion and routings as well as that last double-check to see if our personal equipment is ready to go.
• Meals: Bed and breakfast
• Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• We are met at the hotel by a guide and mountain support crew, who will give us a quick rundown before a short drive to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance and Machame Gate.
• After the speedy procedure of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will begin its ascent to Machame Camp (3,010 m).
• We recommend that you bring not only spare clothes but also your raincoats if you plan to go on this trek. Because the route goes through the rainforest (where tropical showers are quite probable), we suggest bringing not just additional clothing, but also your raincoats.
• NOTE: At night, you may feel tired due to the acclimatization process: as a result of a change in your waking breathing pattern, your body receives less oxygen than it would during the day.
• Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) -> Machame Camp (3,010 m)
• Hiking distance: 11 km
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Begin the day with breakfast before heading up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 meters).
• Today as we emerge from the rainforest, we will for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of us.
• Physically, trekking isn't difficult, but the altitude changes may be uncomfortable, so pay attention to your body and keep in mind that careful trekking depends on picking the appropriate speed.
• We arrive at the camp for lunch and some rest, after which, a short acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter rise in elevation is on the cards.
• Back down at Shira Camp, we will be served a hot dinner.
• Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) -> Shira Camp (3,845 m)
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) -> Lava Tower (4,120 m)
• Hiking distance: 2 km
• Hiking time: 1-2 hours
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

• After breakfast, we depart Shira Camp (3,845 m) to reach the route's critical stop: Lava Tower (4,630 m).
• The final section of the route includes numerous ascents and descents that end in a camping station at more than 4,600 meters.
• To adjust to the higher altitude, we must spend at least 1–2 hours here, so lunch will be served.
• Following lunch, we descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
• Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness!
• Tomorrow we have to get over the famous Barranco Wall, but don't worry: there is a very easy hiking route leading up to it.
• Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) -> Lava Tower (4,630 m) -> Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
• Hiking distance: 11 km
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• After a hearty breakfast, we get ready to summit the first stage of Barranco Wall, an early start is required to avoid other groups' crowds.
• The gorge wall is a short climb and only takes an hour.
• We can take in the magnificent scenery that surrounds and photograph the Kibo Volcano.
• We now undertake a more difficult trek to Karanga Camp, which includes several ascents and descents along the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts in determining an optimal group pace.
• After reaching the Karanga Camp, lunch is on offer, a good time to rest up a bit
• After a few hours, we trek up to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) for a hot meal and a good night's sleep.
• NOTE: It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
• Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) -> Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
• Hiking distance: 11 km
• Hiking time: 8-10 hours
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• At night, after spending the night at Barafu Camp (4,640 m), we depart for the summit of Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
• The ascent is straightforward, although the high altitude is the most difficult aspect.
• Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide the whole way up to keep an eye on their physical and mental states.
• We successful ascent to Uhuru Peak (at 5,895 meters above sea level, the highest free-standing mountain peak in Africa).
• We return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue our descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
• Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) -> Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) -> Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
• Hiking distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 8-12 hours
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• After a hearty breakfast, you'll head to the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
• As we descend, the feeling of relief in one's lungs from the reduction of the height.
• Share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook.
• Commemorative certificates and a transfer back to the hotel.
• Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) -> Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
• Hiking distance: 12 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Meals: Bed and breakfast
• Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel

Day 8: The Safari Ends

• Rest up and relax in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
• Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Are you an adventurous hiker looking for a stunning view? Look no further than the Kilimanjaro Machame Route! This 8-day route takes you up southwest and south sides of this World famous mountain, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. With its mix of easier and more challenging hiking trails, the Machame Route is perfect for hikers who want to experience everything the mountain has to offer. Hikers on this route can look forward to amazing sunsets, revelations at Kibo's great Barranco Wall, and much more!