The Machame route offers breathtaking views and ample time for acclimatization and is a favorite route among seasonal trekkers/ hikers despite its demanding sections and occasional congestion.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will provide you with details about your trek and trekking gear checks.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1800m to 2835m
Distance: 9 km
Vegetation: Rainforest.
Hiking distance: 5-6 hours
Around 8:00 am, the drive will pick you up from the hotel to Machame gate, registration will take place, while the guide and porters will prepare equipment to start climbing. We will start climbing through the rainforest to Machame camp, which on the way forest will offer different specials of birds, monkeys like black and white colobus, blue monkeys, impatiens kilimanjarii flowers, and many interesting things. Dinner and overnight at Machame camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Elevation: 2883m to 3750m
Distance: 5 km.
Vegetation zone: Moorland.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Although considered the easiest day on the Machame Route, today's trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of water to drink, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo Peak above.
As you gain altitude, notice the changes in the vegetation. Trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro's famous high-altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjarii and Lobelia deckenii. Continue to Shira Camp, where you will get your hot lunch and relax till 4:00 pm for an acclimatization climb before heading back to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower.
Elevation: 3750m to 3900m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Moorland - Alpine desert back to Moorland.
Trail today is up and down and also this day is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch at Lava Tower, the highest point of the day (4600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. Dinner & overnight at Baranco Camp.
Day 04: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation 3900m/ 13,000ft to 3995m/13,100ft Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Dinner and Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 05: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation 3995m/ 13,100ft to 4673m/15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka trail and proceed up to Barafu camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Your night will be settled at Barafu camp where you will eat freshly prepared, delicious meals and prepare yourself for the summit day. The two magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 06: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Elevation 4673m/ 15,300ft to 5895m/19,345ft (and down to3100m/ 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 3-4hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
You will wake up early around 23:00 for summit preparation. After tea and biscuits, you will start your way up to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in a northwest direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5756m/18,600 ft). Enjoy the scenery while walking around the crater rim to reach our goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m/19453ft), the roof of Africa.
After resting and taking photos with your guide at the summit, you will start descending back to Barafu camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 07: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation 3100M /10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, you will hike down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and T-shirts will probably be fine to wear (keep rain gear and warm clothing handy).
At the gate there will be a car waiting for you and will bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, enjoy a hot dinner and have more rest, reminding you of all the adventures and accomplishments.
Ending Point
Kilimanjaro Airport
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Private transport from the hotel to the gate (starting point for the climb)
- All National Park entry fees + all camping fees
- 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included.
- 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian).
- Quality tents, sleeping mats, camping tables, camping chairs, and Mess/Dining Tent.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- Qualified medical and English-speaking guides, Cook and Crew (Porters)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
- Salaries for Guides, cooks, and porters.
- Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
- Government taxes
- Pick up and drop off at the Airport.
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
- Pulse oximeter carried by all chief guides
- 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb.
- Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)
× Items of a personal nature
× Tips for guides, porters, and cook
× Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
× Snacks, personal medicine
× Meals, drinks, and snacks not specified in the hotel
I will be there for you 24/7 during you're holiday in Tanzania
My name is Joshua a local Tanzanian tour guide with more than 12 years working experience both Mountain trekking and Safari here in Tanzania.
I have been working with different travel agencies to get experience before I decide to employ myself.
$2,850/ per person