Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Machame Route is one of the most beautiful routes to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Machame Route climb begins in the lush rain forest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. Inquire NowThe Machame route contains more steep passages and higher altitudes than the Marangu and the Rongai route and is slightly more demanding.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Machame Route
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by our transfer driver and taken to the Keys Hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can either relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Moshi (taxi might be required). In the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at the Keys Hotel. Meal plan Dinner.
Journey Plan:
| Day | Start | End | Approx. altitude | Duration | Route description |
| 1 | Machame Gate (1,790 m) | Machame Camp (3,010m) | 1,220 m | 5 – 6 h | A long first trek with a beautiful hike through the mountain forest. |
| 2 | Machame Camp (3,010 m) | New Shira Camp (3,840 m) | 900 m | 4 – 6 h | Wonderful views of Shira Ridge and Kibo. The route is shorter than the previous day. |
| 3 | New Shira Camp (3,840 m) | Barranco Camp (3,960 m) | 800 m 680 m |
6 – 7 h | A longer stage with great views and diverse vegetation. |
| 4 | Barranco Camp (3,960m) | Barafu Camp (4,640 m) | 680 m 50 m |
5 – 6 h | Begins with a steep climb then rises and falls. Views of the southern glaciers. The altitude will become noticeable. |
| 5 | Barafu Camp (4,640 m) | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) Mweka Camp (3,080 m) | 1250 m 2810 m |
10 – 14 h | Very steep, long and cold climb to Stella Point. Spectacular panoramic views of the crater ridge and the summit. Relatively steep and long descent with the altitude playing a major role. |
| 6 | Mweka Camp (3,080 m) | Mweka Gate (1,630 m) | 1450 m | 2 – 3 h | Easier and relatively shorter descent with good paths through the luscious rainforest. |
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)
After breakfast you will be picked up at the Keys Hotel and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, about an hour’s drive away. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin.
In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rain forest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line at 3,010 m. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,010 m) – New Shira Camp (3,840 m)
After an early morning start, the path steepens and the landscape changes into moor- and heathland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: New Shira Camp (3,840 m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Today you will climb about 700 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the “Barranco Wall”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
After hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360 view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp (3,080 m) where supper and a well-earned rest await you. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 7 Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew.
Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rain forest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Keys Hotel in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 8 Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari. Meal plan Breakfast. Inquire Now
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Machame Route package includes:
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Mountain crew (cook & porters).
- Meals according to the itinerary.
- Drinking water.
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.).
- All national park fees.
- All mentioned transfers.
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Machame Route package excludes:
- Sleeping bag.
- Flights.
- Optional activities.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Tips.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance.