Overview
The Machame Route, is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers beautiful landscapes, varied ecosystems, and a good success rate due to its “climb high, sleep low” profile—ideal for acclimatization,making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.
Highlight
- Duration: 6 or 7 days (7 recommended for better acclimatization)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Success Rate: High (especially on the 7-day itinerary)
- Scenery: Diverse – rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers
- Crowds: Moderate to high – second most popular after Marangu
Detailed Itinerary
Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly drivers who will transfer you to the booked Lodge in Arsuha. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Arusha, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The success rate depends on the number of days you spend on the mountain. For all operators combined, it is estimated that 6 day Machame climbs have a success rate of about 50% and 7 day Machame climbs have a success rate of around 70%. Our 6 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 70-75% and our 7 and 8 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 85-90%.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The cost of the Machame route will depend on the number of days. Our current pricing for a group climb on the 7 day Machame route is $2,799 per person.
Distance: 11 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation: Rainforest
You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin. The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours.
On the way it possible to see Tree Hyrax,e black and white thumbless colobus monkeys.Also On Trail you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few.
Lunch,Dinner.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
The trail rises steeply and transitions into moorland. You’ll have views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak.After an early breakfast, you climb up and out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone.At this campsite you have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the east. Today's hike lasts about five to six hours in total.
BreakFast,Lunch&Dinner.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6–8 hours
Vegetation: Semi-desert
Acclamatization Day. You will climb roughly 700 m but will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640 m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. You will have Lunch at Lava Tower ,then after you head down to Barranco Camp and that it will be very enough for Acclamatization.
BreakFast,Lunch&Dinner
Distance: 5 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation: Alpine desert
Climb the steep Barranco Wall ("Breakfast Wall") and cross rolling terrain to reach Karanga Valley .Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push.
BreakFast,Lunch&Dinner
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3.5–4 hours
Vegetation: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. The base for your summit attempt. The camp sits on a barren ridge with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak. Rest early, as you’ll begin your summit push in midnight.
BreakFast,Lunch&Dinner
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Vegetation: Arctic
Summit day! Depart around midnight for a challenging climb through cold, dark alpine terrain. After reaching Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim.This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while talking frequent and short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. A final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Vegetation: Rain Forest
After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a while Rest and Lunch then after we will continue to descend to Mweka Camp.The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Lunch&Dinner
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Rain Forest
The final descent takes you back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. You’ll then transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.
On the Trail can be Wet and Muddy and Slippery ,so pole pole it's still a key ,also Hiking Poles willbe helpfull .
Breakfast&Lunch
Icludes & Excludes
Includes
- Trekking tour according to the itinerary
- Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal porter
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking Water
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- National park fees
- Rescue fees
Excludes
- Flights (international and domestic)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
- Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
- Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)