The Machame route - the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro) ascends the mountain from the Southern side. Machame Route is the route of choice amongst most climbers because it provides spectacular views and a variety of habitats. The route is also known as the "whiskey" route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, relative to the Marangu. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using the Machame route hikers encounter steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.
The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization.
Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Begin Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing safari and using the Machame Route to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Our safari drive guide will drive you past village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mount Kilimanjaro. After completion of park entry formalities walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. All meals dinner and overnight at the Machame Camp
Day 2: Mount Kilimanjaro climbing using the Marangu Route leave Machame Camp hiking to Shira Camp
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and ascend crossing valleys and ridges covered with heather past a river gorge for dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing using the Machame Route - Leave Shira Camp trekking/hiking to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau we keep trekking and hiking towards the peak of Kibo. At an altitude of 16,000ft we descend slightly to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.
Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit attempt
Day 4: Machame Hiking Route Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Safari - Leave Barranco Camp for Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5: Continue with you Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Safari leaving Karanga Camp for Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 6: Machame Trekking Route Mount Kilimanjaro Passage/Trek
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit. At 18,600 ft ABSL. you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). Continue trekking/hiking/climbing for 1-hour to reach the summit - Uhuru Peak.
After celebration and photography descend down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Machame Climb Route Mount Kilimanjaro Direction/Way
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi
