Route overview
The Machame Route offers breathtaking scenery and a challenging climb through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before the final glacier ascent.
Itinerary overview
- Day 1: Arrive Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport), private transfer to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi; unwind.
- Day 2: Preparation day in Arusha — orientation, gear and wellness checks; relax or explore at an easy pace.
- Day 3: Machame Gate → Machame Camp (rainforest approach)
- Day 4: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (moorland and Shira Plateau)
- Day 5: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco (acclimatization: walk high, sleep low)
- Day 6: Barranco Wall → Karanga (valley traverses, epic views)
- Day 7: Karanga → Barafu (alpine desert; early dinner, summit rest)
- Day 8: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp (summit day, long descent)
- Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha (certificates and transfer)
- Day 10: Depart Tanzania or begin safari extension.
What this route is known for
- High scenic variety from rainforest to alpine desert
- Acclimatization benefits via Lava Tower (walk high, sleep low)
- Classic Barranco Wall day with iconic views
- Premium service: chef-prepared meals, attentive camp setup
Full day-by-day notes
A detailed breakdown you can review
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; private transfer to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi. Rest and recover from travel.
Day 2: Preparation & Orientation
Thorough orientation with your head guide, gear and wellness checks; relaxed afternoon to explore Arusha or rest.
Day 3: Machame Gate → Machame Camp (2,835m)
- Start: Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate (1,800m)
- Gate Formalities: Register, weigh bags, meet guides/porters
- Trek: 5–7 hours through lush rainforest; often muddy
- Highlights: Giant ferns, colobus monkeys, birdlife
- End: Machame Camp for dinner & overnight
Day 4: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,850m)
- Trek Time: 4–6 hours, steady climb
- Trail: Forest fades, enter heath/moorland
- Highlights: Shira Plateau, first views of Kibo peak
- End: Shira Camp for sunset and overnight
Day 5: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,976m)
- Trek Time: 6–8 hours, “walk high, sleep low”
- Trail: Up to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Valley
- Highlights: Lava Tower, giant groundsels
- End: Barranco Camp
Day 6: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (3,995m)
- Trek Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail: Scramble up Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”), traverse valleys/ridges
- Highlights: Epic views, unique flora
- End: Karanga Camp for lunch & overnight
Day 7: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m)
- Trek Time: 3–4 hours, gradual ascent
- Trail: Alpine desert, rocky terrain
- Highlights: Views of Mawenzi & Kibo, anticipation for summit
- End: Barafu Camp (early dinner & rest for summit)
Day 8: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Summit Attempt: Start midnight–2am; 6–8 hours ascent via Stella Point
- Summit: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, awe‑inspiring glacier & crater views
- Descent: 2–3 hours to Barafu for brunch, then 3–4 hours to Mweka Camp for overnight
- Highlights: Achieve summit, easier descent
Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
- Descent: 3–4 hours through lush forest, final wildlife/bird sightings
- End: Mweka Gate for certificate; transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Day 10: Departure / Extensions
Airport transfer or begin a tailored safari extension.
Inclusions & exclusions
Our net rates are designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and worry-free experience from arrival to departure.
The package includes:
- All transfers as mentioned, including personalized airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Luxury accommodation with two nights before the climb and one night after the climb in a 4- or 5-star hotel. Guests may also choose from a selection of premium hotels based on personal preference.
- Lunch and dinner at your hotel in town.
During your Kilimanjaro expedition, you will enjoy:
- The expertise of professional and highly experienced mountain guides.
- All required Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Official rescue fees.
- Fair and ethical treatment of our porters and mountain crew.
- Premium four-season waterproof sleeping tents, private and spacious.
- Fully equipped kitchen tent and mess tent with dining table and chairs.
- A portable chemical toilet for added comfort.
- Emergency oxygen supply and a basic first aid kit on every trek.
- A dedicated mountain chef preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
- Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily, plus snacks while on the mountain.
What’s Not Included
To give you flexibility, the following items are not included in our Kilimanjaro trekking rates:
- International and domestic airfare tickets.
- Optional activities and tours (e.g., safaris after your climb).
- Visas, airport taxes, and travel documentation.
- Health, travel, and cancellation insurance.
- Personal trekking gear (such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, duffel bags, and mountain clothing).
- Bottled water and other beverages outside the mountain climb.
- Tips, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
Ready to climb the Machame Route?
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