Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 50% of trekkers use the Machame Route to ascend Kilimanjaro. The route is very scenic, providing hikers with incredible views and varying landscapes.
The Machame route is relatively difficult as climbers need to be able to ascend the Barranco Wall on day four and contend with a steep incline up Kibo on summit night. That being said, there are no parts on the route that require any technical climbing skills.
The total Machame route distance is approximately 62 kilometers from gate to gate.
One can complete the Machame route on a 6 or 7 day itinerary. Both options include a climb high, sleep low acclimatisation day.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
30 Minutes Before Safari Time
Time: 5hrs to 7hrs (Machame Gate to Machame Camp)
About 11km (Mandara to Horombo)
On this day, meet and greet your professional guide in Moshi and travel approximately 50 minutes to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The route goes via the village of Machame, which is located on the mountain’s lower slopes. You now travel through the rain forest on a twisting route up a ridge, leaving the park entrance behind. The terrain might get muddy and treacherous as you ascend. Gaiters and hiking poles are recommended. After climbing for a short distance, you will arrive at Machame Camp, where dinner and overnight will be provided.
Time: 4hrs to 6hrs (Machame Camp to Shira Camp)
About 5km (Machame Camp to Shira Camp)
After breakfast, we leave the rain forest glades and walk along a route that climbs until it reaches a rocky slope covered with heather. The path swings west as it travels through a river gorge. This is the perfect time to unwind, dine, and take it easy at the Shira campsite.
Time: 6hrs to 8hrs (Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barraco Camp)
About 5km (Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barraco Camp)
On this day you will proceed east from the Shira Plateau, along a ridge, crossing the intersection towards Kibo’s summit. As we go, our course shifts to the south-east, towards the Lava Tower known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly beyond the tower, we reach the second intersection, which leads us to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. We now descend to the Baracco Hut at an elevation of 13,000 feet. We rest here, eat dinner, and sleep. This day is imperative for acclimatization and preparation for climbing the mountain Summit, the dreaming point of many climbers.
Time: 8hrs to 10hrs (Barraco Camp – Barafu Camp)
About 9km (Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barraco Camp)
You will wake up early in the morning and leave Baracco after breakfast and continue on a rocky slope, crossing the Baracco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campground. Then we leave Karanga and arrive at the intersection with the Mweka Trail. We make our way up to the Barafu Hut. You have now finished the South Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of viewpoints. Here we set up camp, recover, eat dinner, and plan for the summit day. From here, one can view the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Time: 8hrs to 10hrs (Barraco Camp – Barafu Camp)
About 5km to ascend & 11km to descend (Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barraco Camp)
You will wake up about 2:00 in the midnight and proceed to ascend to the Kilimanjaro peak, between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. As you continue northwesterly on the crater’s rim, you climb over steep scree towards Stella Point and actually it is reffered as the most difficult part for many mountaineers.
Your ascent to the peak while passing through the snow on the way. When you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have a treasured time where you will witness the dawn, take wonderful photos, and relax for a bit before descending. Finally, you will descend to the Mweka camp for dinner and overnight
Time: 3hrs to 4hrs (Mweka Camp – Machame Gate)
About: 10km (Mweka Camp – Machame Gate)
On this day, you will rise early for breakfast and then descend to the Mweka Park Gate to get your certificate for reaching the summit of Africa’s tallest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. After a short break, you will board your car and be driven to your agreed-upon location in Moshi Moshi. As a result, the adventure of mountain climbing in Tanzania will come to an end.
