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The journey
Reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and satisfy the trekker in you by climbing the highest dormant volcano in Africa, which remains snow-capped throughout the year despite being near the equator. Regarded as one of the best routes for acclimatization thanks to its "walk high, sleep low" approach, the Machame Route offers an unforgettable 8-day trek through Kilimanjaro's striking natural landscapes. This journey leads all the way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where staff will pick you up and transfer you to Moshi town to spend the first night at Park View Inn.
Those arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya will be picked up by staff and transferred to Moshi by Riverside Shuttle bus.
Drive to Machame Gate (1,640 meters or 5,380 ft).
Climb to Machame Camp/Machame Hut (2,850 meters or 9,350 ft).
Hiking hours: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 11 km or 7 miles.
Zone: Rainforest.
Climb from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,810 meters or 12,500 feet).
Hiking hours: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 5 km or 3 miles.
Zone: Low Alpine Zone.
Climb from Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp (3,976 meters or 13,044 feet).
Hiking hours: 8-9 hours.
Distance: 10 km or 6 miles.
Zone: Low Alpine Zone to High Alpine Zone.
Climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (3,995 meters or 13,106 feet).
After lunch, continue from Karanga Valley to Barafu (4,673 meters or 15,331 feet).
Hiking hours: 4-5 hours.
Distance: 4 km or 2 miles.
Zone: High Alpine Zone.
Climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters or 19,341 feet) and then descend to Mweka Camp (10,000 ft).
Hiking hours: 4-6 hours.
Distance: 12 km or 7 miles.
Zone: Glacial Zone and all preceding zones.
Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters or 5,340 feet) for a walk of 3-4 hours, covering a distance of 10 km or 6 miles.
Transfer to the hotel for your summit certificate and celebration party.
Overnight at Park View Inn.
Zone: Rainforest.
Total distance covered: 62 km or 37 miles.
Transfer to the airport or continue with a safari.
End of trek.
The route
The fine print
Medical evacuation with AMREF Flying Doctors
2 nights' accommodation - one before and one after the trek at Park View Inn
Emergency oxygen tanks
All park entrance fees
Rescue fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
Summit emergency oxygen
Arrival and departure transfers
All meals while on the mountain
Portable personal flush toilet
Salaries for the guides, cooks, and porters
Highly experienced, English-speaking, professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
Government tax
Camping gear
Non-alcoholic champagne at the summit
Hot water for washing every day
Clean, purified drinking water
Management and safety procedures
Waterproof tents on the climb, a mess tent, and crew tents
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Gratuities
Tanzania visa on arrival
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Optional tours (short safari after the climb)
Bring suitable trekking clothing and gear for an 8-day mountain climb.
Carry appropriate layers for changing temperatures, including cold conditions near the summit.
Wear proper hiking boots suitable for mountain trekking.
Climbing the 6-day Machame Route can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule.
The success rate is significantly higher when using the seven-day route, with an approximate distance of 62 km or 37 miles from gate to gate.
It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of first-time trekkers use the route as well and do just fine.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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