Machame Route
Destination Highlights
Shira Plateau
Lava Tower
Barranco Valley
Uhuru Peak
Kilimanjaro Machame Route: A Scenic and Adventurous Trek
Diffculty
Accomodation
Elevation
Summit Success Rate
Scheduled Climb: 25th January, 2025 - 02nd February, 2025
Destination Experiences
Mount Kilimanjaro Rainforest
Karanga Valley
Barafu Camp
Glacial Beauty
Pricing
Essential
- 3 star accomodation in Arusha
- Meals on the Mountain
- Portable Toilet
- Professional Mountain Guides
- Private Porter Service
- Mess Tent
- Four-season mountain sleeping tents
- 2:1 Client to Guide Ratio
- Daily water for washing
- Traditional Swahili Culinary Experience
Elite
- 5 star accomodation in Arusha
- Meals on the Mountain
- Portable Toilet
- Professional Mountain Guides
- Private Porter Service
- Lebanese Culinary Experience
- Standing Expedition Sleeping Tent
- Portable Sleeping Bed + Mattress
- 1:1 Client to Guide Ratio
- Daily Hot Shower
- Portable Solar Charging Station
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Use this day to rest and prepare for the trek. Meet your guide for a comprehensive briefing on the journey ahead.
Day 2
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: Start at 1,800 meters (5,905 feet); end at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
Camp: Machame Camp
Start your trek at the Machame Gate and ascend through lush rainforest with chances to see wildlife and vibrant flora. The day ends at Machame Camp, nestled on the mountain's edge, offering your first stunning sunset view.
Day 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: Start at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet); end at 3,840 meters (12,598 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Duration: 4-6 hours of hiking
Camp: Shira Camp
Ascend through the heath zone to the Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views across the mountain and below. The day ends at Shira Camp, where the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see.
Day 4
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: Start at 3,840 meters (12,598 feet); Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet); end at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 6-8 hours of hiking
Camp: Barranco Camp
The route now leads to the Lava Tower, a significant altitude test, before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization and features the imposing Barranco Wall, setting the stage for the next day’s climb.
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: Start at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet); end at 4,035 meters (13,238 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours of hiking
Camp: Karanga Camp
Tackle the Barranco Wall in an exhilarating scramble that is less difficult than it looks. The trail then dips and rises, crossing streams to reach Karanga Camp, a scenic spot ideal for rest and digestion of the altitude gains.
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: Start at 4,035 meters (13,238 feet); end at 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours of hiking
Camp: Barafu Camp
Ascend to Barafu Camp, the launch point for the summit. The camp, situated on a barren, rocky ridge, offers a restful evening before the nighttime summit attempt. Sleep early as the ascent begins just after midnight.
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp
Elevation: Start at 4,673 meters (15,331 feet); ascend to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet); descend to 3,080 meters (10,105 feet)
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking
Camp: Mweka Camp
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, climbing steeply upwards to reach Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak for sunrise—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend through rocky terrain and heath zone to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Arusha
Elevation: Descend from 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours of hiking
Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to
Day 9
Enjoy some final moments in Tanzania with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, carrying unforgettable memories of your climb.
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