MACHAME ROUTE

6 or 7 days

We suggest taking 7 days for the Machame route. The 6-day trip skips Karanga camp and moves at a faster pace.

Driving distance from Moshi to Marangu Gate: 31 km.
Driving Time: 45 minutes

Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Hut Camp

Distance: 11 km. / 6.8 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Elevation: 1,640 m. / 5,380 ft. to 2,850 m. / 9,350 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest to Heath Moorland

We begin our trip with a 1-hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, passing through the scenic Machame village on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. After getting our permits at the Marangu Gate, we begin our trek. We ascend through the mountain rainforest until we reach Machame Hut Camp.

Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Elevation: 2,850 m. / 9,350 ft. to 3,810 m. / 12,500 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through the moorland zone. The terrain is volcanic and rocky, with stunning views of distant mountains and valleys. As you begin to ascend steeply, the vast Shira Plateau appears on your left, and Mt. Meru rises majestically above the clouds. The caves near our campsite are lava tubes whose entrances have been exposed by erosion. Guides and porters would once gather around fires outside the caves for warmth, before sheltering inside them for the night.

Day 3
Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10 km. / 6.2 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Elevation: 3,810 m. / 12,500 ft. to 4,630 m. / 15,190 ft. to 3,975 m. / 13,044 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Alpine Desert

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a high-altitude moorland landscape, with breathtaking views. As we transition to the alpine desert zone, we trek on lava bridges beneath the glaciers of the western breach, ascending to Lava Tower, our high point for the day. We break for lunch atop this large rock formation, which was once an active volcano, and then descend steeply to our camp at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Most of our day is spent at higher altitudes, but we follow the mountaineering code of “walk high, sleep low” to help you acclimate to the altitude.

Day 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,975 m. / 13,044 ft. to 3,995 m. / 13,106 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our day begins with a brief descent into a huge ravine, then a steady ascent up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s not a technical climb, but it snakes up through narrow, rocky passages and is challenging. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of Kibo. As we descend into the Karanga Valley, we’ll pass underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and along the Karanga River before ascending to the Karanga camp. For those feeling strong, we’ll take a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4,200m/13,780 ft., then back to camp for the night.

Day 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km. / 2.5 mi.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,995 m. / 13,106 ft to 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we walk to Barafu camp, crossing slopes of scree and little vegetation. It’s a demanding, steep walk, made more difficult by the altitude. Upon arriving at camp, a hot lunch awaits, after which we use the afternoon to rest. We enjoy an early dinner and get a few hours of sleep before waking around midnight with hot tea and biscuits for our summit ascent.

Day 6
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millenium Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi. and 7 km. / 4.3 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours

Elevation: 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft. to 5,895 m. / 19,341 ft. and 3,790 m. / 12,434 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Heath Moorland

We wake you with hot tea and biscuits, and then begin the steep hike up Kibo, gaining incredible elevation over a short distance. We’ll arrive on the crater’s rim at Stella Point, as the first rays of the sun hit us. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak in the distance and beyond. Next, we’ll begin our final segment, a relatively easy, hour-long ascent around the crater’s rim. The air is thin here, so we’ll take our time until we reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5.895 m.). Our stay here is brief, so you will want to quickly take many pictures into the icy cliffs of the crater walls, the surrounding glaciers, and the incredible African vistas. We’ll then retrace our steps around the crater’s rim to Stella Point, where we’ll turn south and head down for lunch at Barafu Camp. Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp. In total, we trek for 8 to 14 hours on day 6, but we help you pace yourself and stay hydrated and nourished.

Day 7
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Elevation: 3,790 m. / 12,434 ft. to 1,640 m. / 5,380 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates. Hang them up in your home with pride! We meet our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a warm shower and celebrate with cold drinks. You stay overnight at your arranged hotel.