Mt Kilimanjaro trekking on Machame route

Machame route starts on the southern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Trekking Kilimanjaro on Machame route offers great views of western Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru - a stunning surprise above the clouds at sunset at Shira Camp. Changing vegetation, valleys and glaciers are also features of Mt Kilimanjaro trekking on Machame route.

There is an almost sheer wall to greet you at breakfast on day 4 (Baranco wall). However, it's easier than it looks and feels fantastic when you get to the top and level out below the glacier.

Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates of all the Kilimanjaro routes because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good to help the body acclimatize.

Climbers ascend Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame route and descend on Mweka route to Mweka camp for a final overnight. The trail to Mweka gate is well defined and, if legs are still functioning, the distance can be covered quite quickly to be back in Moshi by mid morning.

Kilitreks and Safaris provide a safe and comprehensive service for your Kilimanjaro trekking vacation. Group trekking discounts available.

Machame route: 8 days / 7 nights (6 mountain days)

Tour Ref: CP 2

Day 1: Arrive in Moshi, Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Machame gate (1800m) to start your kilimanjaro trekking on Machame route through montane forest to the first campsite, Machame (3,000m. 6 to 7hrs).

Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro trekking continues through steep rocks and open moorland offering stunning views of Mt. Meru, before reaching Shira campsite (3,840m. 6 to 7hrs).

Day 4: Continue trekking on Machame route from Shira camp across the Baranco Valley to reach Baranco Wall and the campsite at Baranco (3,950m. 7-8 hrs).

Day 5: The route takes you through the surreal alpine vegetation on the south circuit path via Karanga Valley. The ascent out of the valley is high enough to see rock icicles. You will reach Barafu campsite for a rest, prepare equipment and a pre-summit briefing (4,600m. 7 to 8hrs).

Day 6: After a light snack and hot drink, the final stage of your kilimanjaro climb will begin around midnight while the scree (small stone) is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Stella Point (5,700m - 5 to 6 hrs). Some climbers finish here but for those with energy reserves, the route begins to flatten out along the crater rim. Uhuru Peak (5,895m) can be reached in 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest on the top for photographs you start the descent to return to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before descending via Mweka route to Mweka Hut (3,100m - 6 to 7 hrs) for dinner and a final night Kilimanjaro camping.

Day 7: An easy days hiking on a well defined rocky path to reach Mweka gate (3 to 4hrs) to collect certificates before returning to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included).

Day 8: Departure

To book a climb on this route go to the enquiry form and request Tour Ref: CP 2

Take a look at our climbing Upgrade Service available on this route

Fitness preparation is important for a successful and enjoyable kilimanjaro climb

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page update 02/0/11