3-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek with Shira Plateau Views

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro
• 02 Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
• 03 Experience the scenic Shira Plateau and its unique moorland landscape
• 04 Stay at Machame Camp and Shira Cave Camp on the mountain
• 05 Descend on a scenic 16 km trek back to Machame Gate

Embark on a thrilling 3-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro adventure through lush rainforest, scenic moorland, and the beautiful Shira Plateau. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru while taking on a rewarding climb with overnight stays at Machame Camp and Shira Cave Camp. This short but immersive trek offers an unforgettable experience of nature and breathtaking landscapes, ideal for seasoned trekkers and those seeking a condensed Kilimanjaro adventure.

Embark on a thrilling 3-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro adventure through lush rainforest, scenic moorland, and the beautiful Shira Plateau.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Drive to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

• Begin with a scenic drive to Machame Gate, located at the southwest base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• A 35-minute drive from Moshi and an hour or more from Arusha will bring you to the gate.
• Upon arrival, enjoy a packed lunch before completing the necessary park registration and luggage check.
• After receiving your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing permit, embark on your trek through the lush rainforest.
• Along the way, you will encounter diverse wildlife and colorful birds.
• Reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee, followed by a delicious dinner.
• Spend the night in a spacious 2-person tent at the campsite.
  Elevation: 1,800m
  Distance: 11 km
  Trekking Time: 5 hours
  Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
  Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tent at Machame camping site

2

Day 02

Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

• After breakfast, continue your ascent through the rainforest, eventually entering the moorland zone.
• The steep climb offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
• Cross the Shira Plateau on your way to Shira Cave Camp, where you'll be treated to stunning vistas.
• This part of the journey provides a unique opportunity to see the mountain from new perspectives, helping prepare you for higher elevations.
  Elevation: 1,035m
  Distance: 5 km
  Trekking Time: 6 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
  Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tent at Shira Cave camping site

3

Day 03

Descend from Shira Cave Camp to Machame Gate

• After breakfast, begin your descent to Machame Gate.
• Cover a distance of 16 km as you bypass Machame Camp and head directly to the gate.
• This long trek gives you time to reflect on the journey as you descend the mountain.
• Once you reach the gate, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
  Elevation: 2,835m
  Distance: 16 km
  Trekking Time: 7 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
  Accommodation: At your hotel in Moshi/Arusha

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers: Transport from your hotel in Moshi to the mountain and back
• Professional, experienced guides: Expert mountain guides with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro
• Salaries and park fees: Covers the wages of guides, porters, and cooks, as well as all necessary park fees
• Quality gear: Waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (twin-sharing basis) and sleeping mattresses for comfort
• Emergency oxygen cylinder: For safety, an emergency oxygen cylinder will be available throughout the trek
• Meals on the mountain: All meals during the trek, featuring large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
• Quality mess tents: Equipped with tables and chairs for a comfortable dining experience
• Clean drinking water: Purified drinking water provided throughout the trek
• Conservation fees: Included as part of the park fees to support environmental sustainability
• Camping or hut fees: Covered as part of the park fees
• Rescue fees: Included as part of the park fees for emergency situations
• VAT (18%): Government tax applied to all services
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate: A certificate for climbers who reach the summit as a special achievement memento

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa: Visa fees for entering Tanzania
• International and domestic flights: Flights to and from Tanzania and any domestic flights
• Transfers: Available as an optional add-on
• Personal trekking equipment: Such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities: For guides, porters, and other staff
• Travel insurance: Personal travel insurance coverage
• Personal expenses: Such as laundry, telephone, beverages, and other incidental costs
• Meals not listed in the itinerary: Any meals outside the provided itinerary
• Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks not included
• Surcharge for online payment: 5% surcharge for online payments on advance and balance payments

What to bring

• Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or thermal mid-layers, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, thermal wear, hat, gloves, and socks
• Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots and camp shoes
• Sleeping gear: Four-season sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and an optional sleeping liner
• Accessories: Daypack (25-30L), water bottles (2L), headlamp, sunglasses, and trekking poles
• Personal items: Sunscreen, lip balm, toiletries, personal first aid kit, insect repellent, and camera
• Documents: Passport, visa (if needed), travel insurance, and climbing permit
• Snacks: Energy bars and high-energy snacks

Know before you go

• Kilimanjaro is a challenging climb that requires good physical fitness. Regular hiking or endurance training is essential to prepare.
• While no technical skills are required, the altitude and terrain can make the trek physically demanding.
• Mount Kilimanjaro's summit reaches 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), and altitude sickness can be a concern, even for fit individuals. Ensure proper acclimatization and stay hydrated.
• Our guides will monitor your progress and advise on any signs of altitude sickness.
• Weather conditions vary from warm at the base to freezing temperatures at the summit. Be prepared for rain, sun, cold, and wind, especially at higher altitudes or during the night.
• Pack light and bring only essentials. Porters will carry your gear, but it's important to be mindful of weight.
• Make sure your gear is high-quality, especially boots, sleeping bags, and cold-weather clothing.
• The trek involves long days of hiking. Be mentally prepared for a physically demanding challenge.
• Safety is our top priority. Emergency oxygen, professional guides, and support staff are provided throughout the trek.
• Always follow the instructions of your guides, particularly regarding pace and hydration.
• Tipping is customary for guides, porters, and cooks and is not included in the tour price. Tips should be based on your satisfaction with their services.
• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.