Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Commencing your journey from Moshi, enjoy a brief 45-minute drive to the Village of Machame, guiding you towards the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While awaiting permit issuance, engage in the bustling activity as crews prepare for the adventure ahead. Explore the scenic rainforest and winding trails, where your guide will provide insights into local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Exercise caution on the muddy and slippery terrain at lower elevations; we highly recommend utilizing gaiters and trekking poles to enhance stability and safety.

• Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
• Distance: 10.75 km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

After an early rise at Machame camp, fuel up with breakfast before embarking on a climb of approximately an hour through the forest. Following this, ascend for about two hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. Following a brief lunch break and rest, proceed onward, ascending a rocky ridge onto the expansive Shira plateau. From this vantage point, marvel at the breathtaking sight of the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers to the east. Positioned directly west of Kibo, continue your journey with a short hike to reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m. Here, porters will prepare drinking and washing water before serving dinner. Brace for a colder night than before, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing at this exposed campsite.

• Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
• Distance: 5.3 km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

The path now veers eastward into a semi-desert, rocky terrain enveloping Lava Tower, where you’ll ascend to an altitude of 4630m after approximately five hours of walking. Lunch is served at a designated spot before tackling the rocky scree path up to Lava Tower. This marks the most challenging day thus far, often triggering symptoms like breathlessness, irritability, and headaches in some climbers. After lunch, descend nearly 680m to the Barranco camping area, where the true acclimatization benefits of the day’s altitude gain become evident. This descent to Barranco camp, spanning about two hours, offers splendid photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Nestled in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, the camp promises a memorable sunset as you await dinner preparation.

• Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 6 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of the Great Barranco Wall, an imposing sight that initially seems daunting but often proves more manageable than expected as you ascend. Surmounting this obstacle just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking beauty. Continuing your journey, the route descends through the Karanga Valley, traversing ridges and valleys before merging with the Mweka route, the preferred descent from the summit. Remember this pivotal juncture. Arriving at Barafu Hut, the last water stop, you’ll find a stark, windswept camping area, perched precariously on a narrow ridge.
Familiarize yourself with the terrain to mitigate risks as darkness falls. With the summit a further 1345m above, prepare your gear, including ski sticks and thermal clothing, for the final ascent that same night. Ensure your equipment, including headlamp and camera batteries, is fully charged and carry spares. Stay hydrated by carrying water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing. Retire early to maximize rest and prepare for the ultimate summit attempt.

• Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
• Distance: 13 km
• Hiking Time: 8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Get ready for an exhilarating journey as the anticipation builds with an early morning start, typically between midnight and 2 a.m. This stretch marks the pinnacle of mental and physical endurance during the trek.

Navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we press onward toward the summit, channeling our focus and determination towards the remarkable achievement awaiting us. Ascending with a strategic switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, amidst breathtaking vistas, a brief rest offers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise, a moment of pure magic. For those making good time, the summit may reveal itself against the backdrop of the rising sun.

With renewed vigor, embark on the final 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, where snow may greet your every step, enhancing the sense of achievement with each stride.

Congratulations are in order as you stand atop Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Capture the moment with photos, celebrate your triumph, and perhaps shed a tear of joy as you reflect on this extraordinary feat.

After savoring the achievement, it’s time to descend, embarking on a steep journey back to Mweka Camp. Pause for a well-deserved lunch and a brief rest at Barafu, where loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain call for gaiters and trekking poles. As evening falls, indulge in a peaceful night’s rest at Mweka Camp, basking in the glory of your accomplishment.

• Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
• Distance: 30 km
• Hiking Time: 13 hours
• Habitat: Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

After indulging in a satisfying breakfast, our dedicated staff will lead a joyful celebration, marking the culmination of your mountain expedition. During this memorable moment, you’ll have the opportunity to express your appreciation to the guide, assistant guides, chefs, and porters who supported you throughout the journey. Following the festivities, commence the descent, a three-hour journey back to Mweka Gate, where all hikers are required by the National Park to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Those who reached Stella Point (5685m) will be awarded green certificates, while those who conquered Uhuru Peak (5895m) will receive prestigious gold certificates. After certificate presentations, descend into Mweka village, a one-hour journey spanning 3 kilometers, where a hearty hot lunch awaits. Conclude your adventure with a return drive to Moshi, where well-deserved showers and further celebrations await, marking the triumphant end of the Machame Route 6-day expedition.

• Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
• Distance: 9 km, Descending
• Time: 4 hours