MACHAME ROUTE

Included in the Tour:

• Transport from/to the park gate & airport transfer.
• Pre & post-climb accommodation (Bed & Breakfast) in Moshi or Arusha.
• Park, camping & rescue fees.
• Tents and mattresses.
• Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and cook.
• Water, tea, and coffee with meals.
• Chemical portable toilet for your convenience.

Excluded from the Tour:

• Flights to Tanzania.
• Travel insurance.
• Visa and passport fees.
• Increases in park fees where applicable.
• Personal equipment (sleeping bags, etc.).
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
• Soda and alcoholic beverages.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Elevation: 5,380 ft (1,800m) to 9,350 ft (3,000m)
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• After a scenic drive to the Machame Gate, you’ll begin the hike through the lush rainforest, with the chance to spot birds and Black and White Colobus monkeys. The trail is a winding ascent up a ridge to Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

• Elevation: 9,350 ft (3,000m) to 12,500 ft (3,800m)
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath & Moorland
• You’ll leave the rainforest behind as the trail ascends to the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After crossing a gorge, you’ll reach Shira Cave Camp.

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 12,500 ft (3,800m) to 15,190 ft (4,630m) to 13,044 ft (3,900m)
• Distance: 7 km / 4 miles (to Lava Tower), 3 km / 2 miles (to Barranco)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (up to Lava Tower), 2-3 hours (descent)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• This day takes you to the famous Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation. Afterward, you'll descend to Barranco Camp, which helps with acclimatization, despite spending time at high altitude.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft (3,900m) to 13,106 ft (4,030m)
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Starting with a descent into a ravine and the challenging Barranco Wall, you'll climb the steep wall before crossing various valleys. After a short steep climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft (4,030m) to 15,331 ft (4,687m)
• Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• The day is spent hiking up to Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit. The summit peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible on clear days.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 15,331 ft (4,687m) to 19,341 ft (5,895m) to 10,065 ft (3,100m)
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (to the summit), 12 km / 7 miles (descent)
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours (to the summit), 4-6 hours (descent)
• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Rain Forest (descent)
• Starting in the early morning hours (around midnight), you’ll ascend through the cold and challenging conditions to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After enjoying the sunrise, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for a restful night.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,100m) to 5,380 ft (1,800m)
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• On the final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will meet you at the gate for your return journey to Moshi/Arusha.

This route offers a blend of beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and rich wildlife, making it one of the most popular ways to summit Kilimanjaro. Would you like to know more details about preparing for the trek or what to pack for the adventure?