8 Days Machame Route
Considered to be the most beautiful and attractive route up Mount Kilimanjaro compared to other climbing routes, Machame Route is suitable for more adventurous mountain hikers who wish for a more physically demanding climb than what Marangu or Rongai routes has to offer.
Machame route is presently the most common route despite its higher degree of difficulty and climber’s physical exhaustion, so you can expect to not be alone on this route as to ascend to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town the famous gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. You will have a half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi or Arusha where all trekking briefings will take place and final preparation to embark on the journey to the roof of Africa.
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Group will leave Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes approximately 4 hours, where you will be demanded to complete all official registration and briefings. Afterwards is a drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Once we arrive at trailhead, we start a hike through undisturbed natural forest which winds up to the first camp site Mti Mkubwa.
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We will continue on the trail leading us to a savannah of tall grasses and out of the rain forest, heather and volcanic rock wrapped with lichen beards. As we climb through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will then reach Shira Ridge then a gentle drop to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first sight of Kibo across the plateau.
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We will navigate and explore Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle and less demanding walk to east of moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we will divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a small used site on the bottom of Lent Hills.
A variety of walks can be done at the surroundings at Lent Hills making this a perfect acclimatization chance for climbers. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We will continue a trek to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Afterwards we will descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but stunning Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft.
Although on this day you will have begun and end the day at the same elevation, this time spent at higher altitude is very helpful for acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A day will start by descending into a ravine to the bottom of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we will hike the non-technical but steep cliff, nearly 900 ft. From the highest reaching point of the Barranco Wall we cut across a number of hills and valleys until we arrive at Karanga Valley with a sharp descend. And then just one steep climb we will reach Karanga Camp. This is also a shorter day specifically meant for acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Descend Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Around midnight, we begin to progressively push to Uhuru peak. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. There will be extreme wind and cold at this elevation. We will ascend in the darkness luckily with the moonlight over our heads for several hours while taking short, breaks.
Coming to Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be satisfied with the most magnificent sunrise coming over from Mawenzi Peak. And finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the rood of Africa and the crown of Tanzania.
After spending a few moments at Uhuru peak taking all in from the plains of Africa and your triumph, we will descend to Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The track is very rocky and can be quite challenging on the knees using trekking poles will be helpful.
Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest and mist or rain can also be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we will gather and enjoy our last dinner on the mountain, telling stories of the grater accomplishments and take a well-deserved sleep.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On this last descending day, we will proceed to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates of success. At this lower elevations trails can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we carry on for another hour to Mweka Village. Afterwards you will be transferred back to a hotel in Moshi
From
$1,650
- Price varies by group size (USD)
- Can start any day If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.