Trip Overview
Number of days: 7 or 8 days
Difficulty: moderate to diffaicult uphill
Total distance: 65 km / 40.4 mi
Average trek time per day: 5.6 hours
Machame Route is one of the popular routes which takes you through steep inclines covering a significant distance and traversing through the major attractions that Kilimanjaro has to offer. This route takes you from the western face of the mountain to circle through to the southern side, allowing for fantastic views of Kilimanjaro from multiple angles. Completing Machame with a day for acclimatization built-in increases your chances of summiting.
Quick Facts
- Southwest ascent takes climbers through breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, a steep climb up the Great Barranco, and passes the impressive Southern icefields. Descent is completed on the Mweka route.
- Difficult. Steeper climbing and endurance for longer trekking time required.
- Distance Traveled: 65 km / 40.4 mi
- Average walking time per day: 5.6 hours
- Average ascent altitude change per day: 785 m
Itinerary
| DAY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Machame Huts Depart from the hotel and enter through the Machame Gate well into the tropical forests on the west slopes of Kilimanjaro. An easier first day climb takes you through a beautiful trail of indigenous trees, flowers, and birds. Make camp at the Machame Huts. |
| Day 2 | Shira Campsite Traverse through the moorland and giant heathers on your way up to the Shira Plateau and take rest at the Shira campsite. |
| Day 3 | Acclimatization to Lava Tower – Barranco Valley Camp On the acclimatization hike, leave from the Shira Plateau heading up to the Lava Tower (4600 m) all while catching awesome views of Uhuru Peak. Descend down to the Barranco Valley (3950 m) to make camp here for the night. |
| Day 4 | Karanga Campsite Climb up the Barranco Wall, circling south past the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro to camp at Karanga site. |
| Day 5 | Barafu Hut Go through alpine territory of minimal vegetation to Barafu Hut. Rest here before the ascent to the summit. |
| Day 6 | Ascent to Summit – Mweka Hut Past midnight begin the trek to Uhuru Peak which will take 6-7 hours to reach. You will be greeted at dawn by a beautiful sunrise above the clouds at the top of Kilimanjaro. Descend back down to Barafu Hut to have a break and breakfast before beginning the longer descent down to Mweka Hut. |
| Day 7 | Mweka Gate check out – to hotel On this southernly exit route enjoy the panoramic views of the Tanzanian side of Kilimanjaro. Going through the lush green forests takes you to the Mweka Gates for checking out. Transportation back to the hotel and continue with rest and relaxation. |
Pricing estimates
| ACCOMMODATION TYPE | 1 PERSON (PER PERSON) | 2 PERSONS (PP) | 4 PERSONS (PP) | 6 PERSONS (PP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD CAMPING | $3095 | $2405 | $2215 | $2095 |