Kilimanjaro Machame Route

$2510 / per person

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If Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.

It is done over 7 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millenium camp the final night on the mountain.

Kilimanjaro + Safari Combo Discount: Save $50/person when you book a Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari (5 days or more).

All our Kilimanjaro treks are offered as a private trip, starting on any day. We offer group departures on the Machame Route only.

16+ Age

Mountain Trekking

Destination

Kilimanjaro Trekking Route
Departure

Arusha
Departure Time

Approximately 8.30AM
Return Time

Approximately 7.30PM
Dress Code

Casual, comfortable and light
Included

Accommodation

Airport Pickup

Airport Transfer

Food

Mountain Guide

Park Fees

Professional Guide

Rescue fees
Not Included

Guide

From our gallery

Tour Plan

Arrival

On your arrival, we will arrange for a driver to pick you up from the airport to your hotel. Usually, a day before starting an expedition, your guide will meet you at the hotel around 5:00 pm for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Feel free to ask your guide any questions you have about your trip. If a group happens to be big with people in different hotels that time might change to be earlier or later since a guide has to go around to meet them all.

Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp (LD)

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (30-45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.

Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp (BLD)

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (BLD)

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha (B)

On our last day on the mountain, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower altitudes, from Mweka camp to Mweka Gate it is often wet and muddy. After reaching the Gate we will collect our summit certificates and meet our vehicle here, then drive back to Arusha via Moshi for Lunch and celebration with an appreciation for Kilimanjaro supporting team.

Gallery

INCLUDES:

All accommodations per itinerary
All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
All transportation and transfers per itinerary
National Park gate fees
Transport from Arusha or Moshi to trailhead and return to Arusha
Camping fees
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Salaries for all crew members
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oximeters
Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

EXCLUDES:

International and domestic flights
Meals not listed
Beverages and alcohol
Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
Optional tours
Single room supplement
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

Tipping guideline for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $350-550/person)
Low season discount in April/May

Kilimanjaro Machame Route