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Kilimanjaro Machame route

  • Route Start Point: Begins at Machame Gate on Kilimanjaro’s lush southern slope, offering scenic rainforest approach rich in flora and birdlife
  • Summit with Confidence: Excellent acclimatization on 7–8 day treks with a proven “climb high, sleep low” profile and the exciting Barranco Wall climb.
  • Scenery: Superb views through the rain-forest, heather & moorland, alpine desert and arctic zone.
  • Ethical climbing: Each and every trek externally monitored by 'KPAP' & 'KRTO' for the highest fair treatment standards.
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Climb Kilimanjaro Machame route Uhuru Peak Board

Overview

Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Kilimanjaro Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Africa’s highest peak. Known for its beauty and variety, this camping-based trek starts in the lush rainforest on the mountain’s southwest slopes. Over several days, climbers pass through striking landscapes including moorland, alpine desert, and the icy summit zone. Difficulty level seems Suitable for intermediate hikers with long hikes and a small 'scrambling' section at the Barranco Wall.

The route is designed with a “climb high, sleep low” pattern, which helps the body adjust to the altitude and improves summit success rates especially on 7- or 8-day itineraries. Highlights include crossing the vast Shira Plateau, an acclimatization climb to Lava Tower, and the thrilling but non-technical scramble up Barranco Wall. Panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and Kilimanjaro’s glaciers make each stage unforgettable. Combining challenge, natural beauty, and excellent acclimatization, the Machame Route is a top choice for climbers aiming for Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.


Route itinerary options

Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile.

Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing

Moshi townToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
  • Meals included today: None
  • Approx. trekking distance: None
  • Start altitude: Unknown
  • End altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Day 1 - Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Rain forestYou will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance:1-1.5 hours
  • Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 9km or 5.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft

Overnight: Machame campsite, 3010m or 9875ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 2 - Machame camp to Shira Two camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneToday’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft

Overnight: Shira Two campsite, 3845m or 12615ftt

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 3 - Shira Two camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneYour hike today takes you towards to Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft). Today helps you to acclimatize and also is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (6-8 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3900m or 12795ft
  • End altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft

Overnight: Barranco campsite, 3960m or 12990ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 4 - Barranco camp to Barafu camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Alpine DesertThis morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert winding around the mountain then through the Karanga valley. From the Karanga camp you continue on the path until Barafu camp where you will prepare for your summit attempt tonight.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6.5mi (7-8 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +680m or +2235ft

Overnight: Barafu campsite, 4640m or 15225ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 5 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Ice camp / arctic zoneIn the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 19km or 12mi (14-18 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft

Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 6 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate

Kilimanjaro mountain rain forestYour final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing

Moshi townToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
  • Meals included today: None
  • Approx. trekking distance: None
  • Start altitude: Unknown
  • End altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Day 1 - Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Rain forestYou will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: 1-1.5 hours
  • Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 9km or 5.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft

Overnight: Machame campsite, 3010m or 9875ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 2 - Machame camp to Shira Two camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneToday’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft

Overnight: Shira Two campsite, 3845m or 12615ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 3 - Shira Two camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneYour hike today takes you towards to Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft). Today helps you to acclimatize and also is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (6-8 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3845 or 12615ft
  • End altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft

Overnight: Barranco campsite, 3960m or 12990ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Alpine DesertThis morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karanga valley is the last water point.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 6km or 4mi (3-5 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft / -210m or -690ft

Overnight: Karanga campsite, 4040m or 13255ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 5 - Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Alpine DesertToday you climb almost casually through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where you keep a slow pace even though the path is not extremely steep. Kibo cone starts to near and you may finally glimpse the Mawenzi peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) in the east. The short distance means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi (3-4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • End altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft

Overnight: Barafu campsite, 4640m or 15225ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Ice camp / arctic zoneIn the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 19km or 12mi (14-18 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft

Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 7 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate

Kilimanjaro mountain rain forestYour final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing

Moshi townToday has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
  • Meals included today: None
  • Approx. trekking distance: None
  • Start altitude: Unknown
  • End altitude: Unknown
  • Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Day 1 - Machame gate to Machame camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Rain forestYou will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Machame gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A steady but relatively steep hike takes you to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: 1-1.5 hours
  • Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 9km or 5.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
  • End altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft

Overnight: Machame campsite, 3010m or 9875ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 2 - Machame camp to Shira Two camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneToday’s hike is a little shorter and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone up a steep ridge till the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here you have excellent views (on a clear day) of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is. You should also see the jagged peaks of the Shira Plateau to the west. Shira is the third peak of Kilimanjaro which has been molded by lava flow, erosion, and volcanic activity. Tanzania’s second highest mountain (Mt Meru 4563m or 14970ft) may be seen in the distance. The remainder of your day is a much gentler / flat trail to your camp, where the views are equally as spectacular.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi (5-7 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3010m or 9875ft
  • End altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3845m or 12615ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +835m or +2740ft

Overnight: Shira Two campsite, 3845m or 12615ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 3 - Shira Two camp to Moir Hut Camp

Kilimanjaro mountain alpine desertToday you take a steady pace across the alpine desert towards the northern Kilimanjaro area. If your fitness is high enough you can take an optional detour via the Lava Tower camp which is great for acclimatization. Moir hut is quite an isolated camp mostly used by those on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit but provides a unique northern view of the Kibo cone. You can also optionally hike to the nearby Lent group from Moir hut for vies of these eroded cones and ridges from where you may be able to gaze down into the wilderness plains of Kenya to the north.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi (4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
  • End altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4140m or 13585ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +295m or 970ft

Overnight: Moir campsite, 4140m or 13585ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 4 - Moir Hut camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Heather and Moorland zoneYour hike today takes you back south towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft, if you didn’t already reach here the day before). Today helps you to acclimatize and is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (6-8 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
  • End altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +490m or 1605ft / -670m or 2200ft

Overnight: Barranco campsite, 3960m or 12990ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Alpine DesertThis morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karanga valley is the last water point.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 6km or 4mi (3-5 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
  • End altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft /-210m or -690ft

Overnight: Karanga campsite, 4040m or 13255ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 6 - Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Alpine DesertToday you climb almost casually through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where you keep a slow pace even though the path is not extremely steep. Kibo cone starts to near and you may finally glimpse the Mawenzi peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) in the east. The short distance means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi (3-4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
  • End altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft

Overnight: Barafu campsite, 4640m or 15225ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro Mountain Ice camp / arctic zoneIn the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: None
  • Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
  • Approx. trekking distance: 19km or 12mi (14-18 hours)
  • Start altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
  • End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft

Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft

Overnight: Standard tent

Row of Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents at a Kilimanjaro trekking campsite, offering durable, weatherproof accommodation for climbers on multi-day high-altitude expeditions to Africa’s highest peak.

Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium extended headroom tent

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, providing spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant accommodation for Kilimanjaro trekking adventures, designed for durability, warmth, and protection in high-altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk-in tent

Nortent Gamme 8 premium walk in sleeping tent at a Kilimanjaro campsite providing spacious weather resistant and durable accommodation for trekkers designed for maximum comfort and protection in challenging high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family tent

Nortent Mjodhall premium walk in sleeping and dining family tent providing spacious weather resistant accommodation and communal space for Kilimanjaro trekking groups designed for comfort durability and protection in high altitude mountain conditions.

Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews

Day 8 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate

Kilimanjaro mountain rain forestYour final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

Quick facts

  • Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
  • Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
  • Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
  • End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
  • Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
  • Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
  • Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'

Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Price, includes & add-ons

Click to see price indication for the various group options and group sizes avaialble. You can always request a custom quote: contact us.

Price per person (USD $)

  • 1 passenger (private trek)

    from $2160 per person*
  • 2 passengers (private trek)

    from $1945 per person*
  • 3 passengers (private trek)

    from $1810 per person*
  • 4 passengers (private trek)

    from $1715 per person*
  • 5 passengers (private trek)

    from $1710 per person*
  • 6-10 passengers (private trek)

    from $1640 per person*
  • 11-15 passengers (private trek)

    from $1620 per person*
  • 16+ passengers (private trek)

    from $1555 per person*
  • Scheduled group (shared departure)

    Not available
  • * All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.

    Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
  • 1 passenger (private trek)

    from $2475 per person*
  • 2 passengers (private trek)

    from $2245 per person*
  • 3 passengers (private trek)

    from $2090 per person*
  • 4 passengers (private trek)

    from $1985 per person*
  • 5 passengers (private trek)

    from $1970 per person*
  • 6-10 passengers (private trek)

    from $1895 per person*
  • 11-15 passengers (private trek)

    from $2180 per person*
  • 16+ passengers (private trek)

    from $1795 per person*
  • Scheduled group (shared departure)

    From $2080 per person*
  • * All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.

    Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
  • 1 passenger (private trek)

    from $2790 per person*
  • 2 passengers (private trek)

    from $2540 per person*
  • 3 passengers (private trek)

    from $2365 per person*
  • 4 passengers (private trek)

    from $2235 per person*
  • 5 passengers (private trek)

    from $2230 per person*
  • 6-10 passengers (private trek)

    from $2140 per person*
  • 11-15 passengers (private trek)

    from $2125 per person*
  • 16+ passengers (private trek)

    from $2040 per person*
  • Scheduled group (shared departure)

    Not available
  • * All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.

    Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
  • Green season discount

    5% off*
    For treks starting from 15 March 2026 to 31 May 2026
  • Mid season discount

    2.5% off*
    For treks starting from 01 November 2026 to 15 December 2026
  • * Special offers are only applicable to new bookings and valid only at the time of confirming an itinerary. All numbers after discounts will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Please check with your sales consultant if offers can be combined.

Standard packages usually include

  • Trek with highly trained, certified mountain guides and a dedicated support crew ensuring safety, comfort, and an enriching experience.
  • Achieve summit success with one of Kilimanjaro’s best-acclimatized routes, supported by full porter assistance, quality camping equipment, and freshly prepared meals.
  • Experience unmatched scenery, from lush rainforest to glacier peaks, while enjoying professional services that make your climb comfortable and memorable.
  • All taxes, VAT and National Park conservation, park entry, camping and rescue fees as applicable.
  • Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s at KINAPA minimum ratios.
  • A comprehensive pre-trek briefing and training session is conducted, covering the trek itinerary, safety procedures, altitude acclimatization tips, and gear usage.
  • Personal luggage allowance of 15kg per person carried by 1 x luggage porter between campsites.
  • Specialist tent crew to service and set-up campsites.
  • Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and Kilimanjaro Responsible Tourism Organization monitoring on Kilimanjaro treks for fair treatment standards. Learn More about fair treatment.
  • Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter to prepare all meals on the mountain including eating utensils, cutlery, bowls, cups etc.
  • A carefully planned standard non-vegetarian or vegetarian or gluten-free or vegan or Hindu or Jain or Halal menu specially crafted for high altitude treks.
  • 1 x transfer from a Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) based lodge to park gates per group / 1 x transfer from park gates to Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) per group.
  • Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onward).
  • 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per 5 passengers and first aid kit.
  • Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter.
  • Hand washing station and small personal wash basin at campsites.
  • Shared public toilet facilities at campsites.
  • 1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack.
  • Basic 1” foam sleeping pad per person.
  • Four season tent (sharing for even numbered groups + 1 single tent for odd numbers), chairs, tables, dining tent for camping routes.
  • A guaranteed participation medal and certificate from Shah Tours
  • A certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park (when you reach Stella Point, Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak).

Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades

Although our standard package can be more than enough for most, we appreciate many desire certain comfort upgrades and add-ons and our tours can be customized to include as much or as little as you need.

Nortent Gamme 6 premium sleeping tent with extended headroom, ideal for comfortable Kilimanjaro camping and trekking adventures in Tanzania.
Extended headroom

Premium extended headroom tent

Premium extended headroom tent upgrade with spacious sleeping area, enhanced comfort, superior ventilation, and luxury safari camping experience.
Nortent Gamme 8 spacious walk-in sleeping tent on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering premium comfort, weather protection, and standing height for trekkers in Tanzania.
Walk-in tent

Premium walk-in tent

Premium walk-in tent upgrade with spacious comfort and all-weather protection for Kilimanjaro Machame Route trekking and luxury camping.
Durable foldable travel beds inside trekking tents, providing elevated sleeping comfort and better rest for climbers during Kilimanjaro expeditions in Tanzania.
15cm ground clearance

Foldable travel
bed

Portable foldable travel bed upgrade delivering exceptional comfort and easy transport for Kilimanjaro Machame Route trekking
Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents set up on Kilimanjaro campsite, offering durable and comfortable accommodation for trekking adventures in Tanzania.
Down filled

Four season sleeping bag (Down filled)

Four season down-filled sleeping bag upgrade for superior warmth, lightweight comfort, and all-weather protection during mountain and safari camping.
High-quality self-inflating mattresses inside trekking tents, providing added comfort and insulation for climbers during Kilimanjaro camping adventures in Tanzania
Self-inflating

Self-inflating mattress

Self-inflating mattress upgrade with superior comfort and insulation for Kilimanjaro Machame Route trekking and high-altitude camping.
The North Face Bastion 4 standard sleeping tents set up on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering durable, weather-resistant accommodation for high-altitude trekking adventures in Tanzania
Synthetic filled

Four season sleeping bag (Synthetic filled)

Synthetic-filled sleeping bag upgrade with superior warmth, comfort, and all-weather protection for Kilimanjaro trekking and high-altitude camping adventures.

Private Portable shower

Not recommended as shower tent, porter to carry-clean-fetch water, gas warmed water. Showers are limited and not available above 4000m or last water point or in poor weather

Private Portable toilet

Private Portable toilet (highly recommended) including toilet, toilet rolls, toilet tent, dedicated hand washing station, extra porter to carry-clean
Delicious celebration meal on Mount Kilimanjaro trek, featuring pasta, vegetables, and the option of cake or fruit platter with sparkling juice to mark the climbing achievement.
Premium Gourmet Experience

Premium Menu

A more premium hiking menu to include more fruit, meat, vegetables and complex dishes. A customized premium menu can be included for your hike.
Trekker enjoying a premium or custom planned menu at a Kilimanjaro campsite, featuring a well-prepared outdoor dining setup with fresh ingredients and scenic mountain views
Mixed seasonal fruits

Fruit platter at end gate of Mweka

Fresh tropical fruit platter at Mweka Gate, a delicious and revitalizing reward to celebrate your Kilimanjaro summit achievement.
Three people enjoying an outdoor meal at a table covered with a red checkered cloth, surrounded by scenic mountain views.
+1 bottle sparkling juice on trek*

Celebration cake or fruit platter

Celebration cake or fresh fruit platter, perfect food and menu upgrade for special occasions, enhancing taste, presentation, and guest experience.

Additional personal assistance porter

Personal assistance porter offers luggage carrying, language support, and cultural guidance for comfort and personalized service on Kilimanjaro Machame Route.

Extra / personal mountain guide

Extra personal mountain guide ensures safety, navigation, and personalized support for a successful and enjoyable Kilimanjaro Machame Route trekking experience.

Additional personal luggage porter

Additional personal luggage porter delivers extra carrying support, maximizing comfort and convenience on your Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek.

Personal language guide or translator

Personal language guide or translator enhances your Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek with easy communication and richer cultural connections.
  • Anorak / Jackets

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Balaclava

    USD $5 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Boots - walking / trekking

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Duffel bag

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Hat

    USD $5 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Head Torch

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands, excluding batteries
  • Gaiters

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Gloves / warm mits

    USD $8 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Glove liners

    USD $5 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Mattres (self-inflatable)

    USD $50 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Neck warmer

    USD $7 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Raincoat / poncho

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Rain / wind / waterproof trousers

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Ruck sack / day pack

    USD $20 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Scarf

    USD $5 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • 4 season sleeping bag (Synthetic filled)

    USD $30 per trip
    Snugpak Softie 15 Discovery (-12.5oC comfort rating)
  • 4 season sleeping bag (Down filled)

    USD $50 per trip
    Marmot Never Summer (-12.5oC comfort rating)
  • Socks

    USD $5 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Sunglasses

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Sweater / fleece / jumper

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Travel pillow

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Walking poles (pair)

    USD $10 per trip
    Mixed brands
  • Water bladder / Water hydration system

    USD $15 per trip
    Mixed brands

Chanya by Ardhi Africa

A comfortable mid-range pre and post climb lodge just outside of Moshi town, especially convenient for the Rongai and Marangu routes.

Bristol Cottages

A comfortable and budget friendly mid-range lodge in Moshi town center, convenient for all ascent and descent routes.

Simba Farm Lodge

A convenient mid range pre-climb option for the Western routes (Lemosho, Shira, Northern Circuit) in Sanya Juu (near West Kilimanjaro).

Machare Coffee Lodge

A beautiful mid to high range post climb coffee lodge when descending via Mweka (Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe).

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

A western style high range lodge just outside of Moshi town centre and convenient for all ascent and descent hiking routes.

Gran Melia, Arusha

A superbly comfortable high range lodge near Arusha city center, for a luxury pre and post climb experience with a view of Mount Meru.

Standard packages usually exclude

Essential Information for Your Kilimanjaro trek via Machame route

Need some help planning a Kilimanjaro trek?

Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about private or group treks, when to climb, getting to Kilimanjaro / Tanzania, visas, documents, choosing a route, training for your climb, health and vaccines, Kilimanjaro packing list, hiking boots, rental equipment, tipping, insurance, money:

Private vs group Kilimanjaro trek

Choosing the right trek with our private vs group Machame route guide, featuring essential tips, pricing, experience, summit success rates, itinerary flexibility, and travel style.

Choosing the best route

Comprehensive guide to choosing the best Kilimanjaro route, highlighting Machame trek scenery, acclimatization benefits, success rates, pricing, itinerary flexibility, preparation, and expert climbing tips.

Preparation guide

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Machame route guide, covering ideal seasons, weather, acclimatization, packing, preparation tips, safety advice, and expert recommendations.

Mountain equipment

Essential mountain equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame route, including clothing layers, trekking gear, footwear, sleeping kit, safety items, and expert packing advice.

Packing check-list

Kilimanjaro Machame route mountain packing checklist and essential gear guide, including clothing, equipment, safety items, toiletries, accessories, and expert tips for successful trekking.

Food and water on Kilimanjaro

Food and water guide for Kilimanjaro Machame route, covering nutritious meals, hydration tips, safe drinking water, dietary needs, and expert advice for a successful climb.

Why book your Kilimanjaro trek via Machame route with Shah Tours?

Some of the reasons why you should book your hike with Shah Tours.

Since 1984!

We have been a licensed operator of Kilimanjaro climbs since 1984 and have guided tens of thousands to Africa's highest peak. Booking with us means you are booking directly with the operator without any middle man.

Safety is our No.1 priority

Our expert guides use a preventive health management system to monitor your health twice a day using medical grade finger oximiters. Each expedition is always equipped with 1 emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.

High quality equipment

We provide superior equipment for a comfortable hiking experience. Each trek will come with a spacious and roomy all season 4 person tent (for a maximum of 2 or 3 people) made by Hilleberg or The North Face.

Socially responsible operator

We are proudly monitored by KPAP and KRTO on each and every trek since 2017 for the highest fair treatment, salary and crew standards on Mount Kilimanjaro. We also support multiple local social and environmental organizations.

Guaranteed Medal & Certificate

All participants on our Kilimanjaro treks will receive a participation certificate and unique achievement medal. You will also get a climb certificate from the National Park if you reach Stella point, Gilman's point or Uhuru peak.

Superior & Experienced guides

We are proud to operate hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro for 40+ years and with this comes a highly skilled and experienced team of mountain guides who have led 100's of expeditions and are some of the most experienced on Kilimanjaro.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kilimanjaro trek via Machame route

Frequently asked questions about this route

Challenging Yet Rewarding African Mountain Adventure

The Machame Route is moderately challenging, requiring good fitness and endurance. Trekkers face long days of hiking over varied terrain, with summit night being the most demanding. No technical climbing is involved, but altitude adds difficulty. Seven or eight days are recommended for better acclimatization. Proper preparation, slow pacing, and professional guides greatly increase your chances of safely reaching Uhuru Peak and enjoying the journey.

Complete Trekking Distance for Machame Route Success

The Machame Route covers approximately 62 kilometers (39 miles) from Machame Gate to the summit, descending via the Mweka Route. It is usually completed in seven days, with an optional eighth day for acclimatization. Daily hikes range from 5 to 12 kilometers through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial zones. Longer itineraries improve comfort, reduce altitude sickness risk, and significantly increase summit success rates for most climbers.

Summit Success Rates and Key Influencing Factors

Success rates on the Machame Route are among the highest on Kilimanjaro when trekkers choose seven or eight days. The route’s “climb high, sleep low” profile allows for effective acclimatization. Success depends on factors like guide expertise, pacing, hydration, and personal fitness. Shorter itineraries can lower success due to limited adaptation time. Using a reputable operator following KPAP standards further improves safety and summit success chances.

Best Seasons for Clear Skies and Safety

The best times to climb the Machame Route are during Tanzania’s dry seasons: January to early March and June to October. These months offer clearer skies, drier trails, and more stable weather, though nights can be very cold near the summit. Shoulder seasons have fewer crowds but mixed weather. Avoid the long rains (April–May) and short rains (November) for better trail conditions and visibility during the trek.

Scenic Advantages Over the Marangu Route

Group of trekkers posing at the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, ready to begin their climb through lush rainforest trails on one of the most popular routes to Africa’s highest peak.The Machame Route is often considered more scenic and offers better acclimatization through its “climb high, sleep low” approach. It uses camping rather than huts, allowing flexible pacing and varied overnight locations. Marangu is less physically demanding initially and uses dormitory-style huts, appealing to those preferring structured accommodation. Machame generally provides higher summit success rates and richer landscapes, making it a favorite for adventurous and well-prepared trekkers.

Beginner-Friendly Trek with Proper Preparation

Yes, the Machame Route is achievable for well-prepared beginners. Success is more likely with a seven- or eight-day itinerary, slow ascent, and experienced guides. Training for several weeks with hikes, stamina building, and leg strength exercises is essential. Good gear, proper boots, and acclimatization days help. Selecting a reputable operator ensures safe pacing, quality equipment, ethical porter care, and support for first-time high-altitude trekkers aiming for Uhuru Peak.

Famous Barranco Wall Climb on Machame

The Barranco Wall is a steep rock face climbed on day four or five of the Machame Route. It requires basic scrambling, using hands for balance, but no technical climbing. With steady pacing, guide supervision, and proper footwear, it is safe for most trekkers. Early starts help avoid congestion. The ascent rewards climbers with dramatic views over the Karanga Valley and surrounding glaciers, making it a memorable highlight.

Start and End Points of the Machame Route

Group of climbers at Machame Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park, preparing to begin the Machame Route trek with hiking gear and national flag.The Machame Route starts at Machame Gate on Kilimanjaro’s southern slope and follows a path through rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu to the summit. The descent uses the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate. Transfers from Moshi, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro International Airport are arranged by operators. The route’s varied terrain offers changing scenery, while separate ascent and descent trails reduce crowding and improve trek flow.

Services and Support Provided on the Machame Route

Hilleberg Keron 4 GT standard sleeping tents set up on Kilimanjaro campsite, offering durable and comfortable accommodation for trekking adventures in Tanzania.The Machame Route is a camping trek, with quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining shelters. Professional cooks prepare hot meals, cater for dietary needs, and treat water for safety. Porters carry group gear and personal bags within ethical weight limits. Many operators provide private toilets, hand-washing stations, daily health checks, and satellite communications. Comprehensive briefings ensure trekkers understand the itinerary, safety measures, and altitude awareness before starting.

Safety Protocols and Emergency Support on Machame

The Machame Route is safe as you will be led by our certified guides following strict safety protocols. Daily health checks, controlled pacing, and monitoring for altitude sickness are standard. Emergency plans include descent assistance, stretcher evacuation, or vehicle access where possible. Helicopter evacuation may be available depending on weather and landing conditions. Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation is essential. Choosing a KPAP-aligned operator ensures higher safety standards and porter welfare.

Other Tours & Destinations Connected to Kilimanjaro Machame route

Discover alternative Kilimanjaro trekking routes and explore tours or destinations perfectly connected to the scenic and adventurous Machame Route experience.

Kilimanjaro Lemosho route

Explore Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route alongside other trekking routes 7 to 9 days beginner to advanced high traffic unique experiences worldwide

Kilimanjaro Rongai route

Discover Kilimanjaro Rongai Route with other trekking options 5 to 7 days beginner to intermediate low traffic scenic and cultural experiences worldwide

Northern Circuit route

Experience Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route among alternative treks 8 to 10 days beginner to intermediate low traffic breathtaking landscapes and adventures

9 day Complete North safari

Combine your Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek with the 9-Day Complete North Safari, showcasing Tanzania’s iconic northern parks, wildlife, and landscapes.

Climb Mount Meru

Combine your Kilimanjaro Machame trek with Mount Meru for added adventure, scenic hikes, rich wildlife, and altitude preparation.

Waterfall & Coffee

Discover Materuni Waterfall and coffee tour, a perfect Kilimanjaro Machame add-on blending scenic nature, cultural heritage, and fresh brews.
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