Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi Town (or Arusha). Attend a pre-trek briefing, gear check, and final preparations. Stay overnight in a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200m
Terrain: Rainforest
Drive to Machame Gate, where you'll register before beginning your trek. Hike through a lush rainforest, with towering trees, ferns, and the sounds of wildlife. The trail is sometimes muddy but manageable. Arrive at Machame Camp, located just above the treeline, where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 840m
Terrain: Moorland
The trail becomes steeper as you leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy incredible views of Mount Meru in the distance. After a few hours, arrive at Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 790m
Elevation Loss: 670m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
A crucial acclimatization day. The trek ascends to Lava Tower (4,630m), a volcanic rock formation where you’ll have lunch. After spending time at high altitude, descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m), where you'll sleep at a lower altitude to help with acclimatization. Enjoy spectacular views of the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Terrain: Rocky and Alpine Desert
Start with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but fun scramble that offers stunning views. The route then descends slightly before reaching Karanga Valley. Arrive at Karanga Camp, where you'll rest and acclimatize.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 645m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
The trail continues through alpine desert towards Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. Arrive early in the afternoon, eat, hydrate, and rest, as the summit push begins at midnight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 5 km (ascent) + 12 km (descent)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent) + 4–6 hours (descent)
Elevation Gain: 1,215m
Elevation Loss: 2,795m
Terrain: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
Summit Night. Start at midnight, hiking through freezing conditions toward Stella Point (5,756m). After a short rest, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa. After sunrise photos, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short break, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Terrain: Rainforest
The final descent through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Drive back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 9: Departure or Optional Activities
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Optional: Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Zanzibar beach relaxation.
Why Choose the Machame Route?
Scenic and diverse landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers. The "climb high, sleep low" strategy improves summit success rates. More challenging than Marangu but rewarding.