The Machame Route is a popular trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is a challenging but scenic route that takes approximately 6 days to complete, with an additional day for acclimatization. The route starts from the south-western side of the mountain and passes through various ecological zones including rainforest, heath, and moorland before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.
During the 6-day trek, hikers will spend their nights in tents at designated campsites along the route. The Machame Route is known for its steep and rocky terrain, which can be physically demanding, but the reward is breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Hikers on the Machame Route will be accompanied by experienced guides and porters, who will assist with setting up camp, cooking meals, and carrying equipment. The Machame Route is a challenging trek, but it is a popular choice for those looking for a more adventurous and scenic route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route is highly Recommended compared to a 6-day trek
Note: This Itinerary can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Destinations visited
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival Day
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) greeted by a SafariBando representative.
- Transfer to comfortable accommodation at Panama Garden Resort (overnight stay with breakfast).
- Enjoy amenities like a swimming pool and Wi-Fi.
- Attend an evening briefing with experienced managers to ensure you're prepared for the climb.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (5-6 hours, 5 km)
- Meet your guide and support crew for a pre-trek briefing at the hotel.
- Travel to Machame Gate, the park entrance, and begin your trek through a lush rainforest.
- Machame Camp offers your first night at altitude. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol/caffeine.
- Acclimatization Tip: Consider using altitude medication to ease potential altitude sickness symptoms.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (4-5 hours, 5 km)
- Ascend to Shira Camp, leaving the rainforest for breathtaking Shira Plateau views.
- Enjoy lunch and rest at camp before an optional acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower (400m elevation gain).
- Savor a hot dinner back at camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (6-8 hours, 11 km)
- Conquer the challenging yet rewarding rise-and-fall trek to Lava Tower.
- Lunch atop Lava Tower provides valuable acclimatization (4,600 meters).
- Descend to Barranco Camp, where you'll be greeted by the imposing Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4-5 hours, 5 km)
- Embrace an early start to avoid crowds on the Barranco Wall.
- The climb is manageable, taking about an hour, with stunning Kibo Peak views.
- Enjoy lunch at Karanga Camp, followed by an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp.
- Descend back to Karanga Camp for the night.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Uhuru Peak & Descent to Millennium Camp (7-12 hours, 15 km)
- Ascend to Barafu Camp, your summit night camp.
- Embark on an acclimatization climb towards Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 meters).
- Begin your summit ascent at midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), Africa's highest point.
- Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp.
- Important Note: Be extra cautious during the descent, where loose footing can lead to injuries.
Day 6: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Departure (4-5 hours, 12 km)
- Enjoy breakfast before your final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters).
- Celebrate your incredible journey with the entire climbing crew and receive summit certificates.
- Relax and reflect on your adventure back at the Panama Garden Resort (overnight stay with lunch included).
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Departure: Hotel checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out options are available (additional fees may apply).
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight.
Additional Notes
- Remember to bring appropriate gear for all weather conditions.
- Maintain a slow and steady pace throughout the climb to aid acclimatization.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms.
Enjoy your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Price for 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route / Rates Per Person
$2,399 per person when 1 person trek alone
$1,927 per person when 2 people trek together
$1,865 per person when 3 people trek together
$1,757 per person when 4 people trek together
$1,710 per person when 5 people trek together
$1,580 per person when 6+ people trek together
For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort
Cost Includes
- 2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
- Transportation to and from your selected route
- Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
- All Tanzanian National Park Fees
- Government Climbing Taxes
- Climbing permits
- All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
- Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
- Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
- Enough porters to carry your luggage
- Safety Equipment
- Emergency Oxygen
- Pulse Ox meter
- Hot drinks at every meal
- Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
- Emergency rescue fees
- Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide
Cost Excludes
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain
- Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
- Guides: $20/day/guide
- Cook: $15/day
- Porter: $10/day/porter
- N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
- International airfares and departure taxes
- All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Visa and International flight tickets fees.