KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY
Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary, day-by-day when hiked over 7 days.
This 7-day variation is considered the best option for the Machame route. The main difference between the 6 and 7 day itinerary is as follows. On the 7 day version, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is split over two days. This creates a shorter day before the summiting. The advantages of this are as follows:
- You will have an extra day/night on the mountain. This will allow your body more time to adjust to the higher altitude and reduce the possibility of altitude sickness
- The 7-day route is highly recommended and have a higher success rate than the 6 day route.
The 7-day route is highly recommended and have a higher success rate than the 6 day route.
Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary 7 days
Day 1 – Machame Gate 1 800m to Machame camp 2 835m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Altitude gain: 1035m
Habitat: Montane forest
From Moshi, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the Machame Gate. After registration, you begin your trek through the lush rainforest. Expect possible rain, which can make the trail muddy and slippery. Be prepared, temperatures can drop to below freezing on the very first night!
Day 2 – Machame camp 2 835m to Shira camp 3 750m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 5.3 km
Altitude gain: 915m
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you hike steeply for an hour to leave the forest. Continue through the moorland with gentler slopes. After lunch, ascend the rocky Shira Ridge before reaching the Shira Plateau. Here, the Machame route joins the Lemosho and Shira routes.
Day 3 – Shira camp 3 750m to Baranco camp 3900m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours to Lava tower and 2 to 3 hours to Baranco camp
Distance: 7 km to Lava tower and 3.3 km to Baranco camp
Altitude gain: 850m
Habitat: Semi desert
This is a key acclimatization day. Hike to Lava Tower for lunch at 4 600m. You descend to Baranco camp at 3,900m to overnight. The “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adjust to altitude reducing the possibility to get altitude sickness. Click on the Kilimanjaro Machame route map to visualize.
Day 4 – Baranco camp 3 900m to Karanga camp 3 995m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 6 km
Altitude gain: 170m
Habitat: Semi desert
Start with the famous Baranco Wall. It looks intimidating but will be easier than expected. From the top, enjoy stunning views near the Heim Glacier. The route then rises and falls over several ridges before reaching Karanga Camp. This is where the Machame route joins the Umbwe route.
Day 5 – Karanga camp 3 995m to Barafu camp 4 673m
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Altitude gain: 678m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today is a shorter but steep climb to Barafu Camp. “Barafu” means ice in Swahili. The campsite is exposed to strong winds and cold conditions. With the summit only 1,222m above, you’ll rest early in preparation for your midnight summit attempt.
Day 6 – Barafu camp 4 673m to Uhuru peak 5 895m to Mweka camp 3100m
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to Uhuru peak and 6 to 7 hours to Mweka camp
Distance: 5 km to Uhuru peak and 9 km to Mweka camp
Altitude gain: 1222m
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Wake around 23:00 for tea and biscuits before starting the toughest part of the climb. The steep 6-hour ascent leads to Stella Point on the crater rim. Here you will witness a spectacular sunrise. From there, a final 2-hour push takes you to Uhuru Peak—the roof of Africa!
After photos and celebrations, descend back to Barafu for an early lunch and short rest. We then continue down to Mweka Camp (or overnight at High Camp if needed).
Day 7 – Mweka camp 3 100m to Mweka Gate 1 640m
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, enjoy your final hike through the forest to the Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll sign the register and collect your well-earned summit certificate. Congratulations, you have completed the 7-day Machame route!
Machame route gallery
Machame route trip information
Recommended duration
The minimum duration allowed for the Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary is 6 days. However we highly recommend the 7-day option. Altitude sickness is unpredictable, it can affect anyone, no matter their age or fitness. Climbing too high too fast most often triggers altitude sickness. The extra day on the 7 day route gives your body more time adjust to the higher altitude. This will greatly reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness. Think of it as investing in both your safety and chance of reaching the summit.
Difficulty Rating
Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary is moderately challenging. You can expect to hike 6 to 7 hours a day, with plenty of altitude gain. It is not technical climb, but expect steep sections and uneven terrain. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker. Beginners with little or no experience can choose the Machame route. The route offer a very good acclimatization profile. We recommend having a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the climb.
Meals on the mountain
Throughout the hike, our experienced chefs will keep you well-fuelled with hearty, nutritious meals.
Breakfast might include a mix of fresh fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs, bread, French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon and your choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Lunch offers a satisfying variety in either a packed or sit down lunch. Fresh vegetables, fruit, boiled eggs, meat, muffins, beef burgers, fried chicken sandwiches (egg, cheese, tomato, tuna etc), macaroni with meat sauce and fresh bread.
Dinner is a feast to end your day: hearty soups, bread, chicken curry, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef steak, fish fingers, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, and fruit with custard.
On summit night, you’ll enjoy a midnight snack of juice, soup, hot chocolate, tea or coffee, and biscuits. And when you return to base camp, a celebratory meal will be waiting as a reward for all your hard work.
Special dietary needs? Let us know in advance. We happily cater for vegan, vegetarian, Halaal and gluten free menus. Please click here for more information.
Accommodation
For our pre- and post- climb accommodation we use the Chanya Lodge, located in Moshi. You will stay in twin shared rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities.
The Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary is a tented route. Porters carry tents up the mountain and pitch at every campsite. We use 4 season mountain tents that can with stand the weather conditions on Kilimanjaro. 2 Persons will share a tents, single tents are available on request.
Meals are served in a separate mess tent where you will be able to sit comfortably.
Recommended kit list
You must be properly equipped for the hike. We recommend you bring all the gear as per our final packing checklist. To make the hike more affordable it is possible to rent some of the gear as well. Click here to see our gear rental pricelist.
Luggage
A luggage storage room is available at the hotel to leave excess baggage for the duration of the hike. On the hike, each hiker may bring one duffel bag weighing up to 15kg (32lbs). A porter will carry the bag from one camp to the next.
Training and fitness
If you prepare yourself physically for the hike, you will enjoy the experience. Please look at the training plan that we have created for all our hikers.
Pre-climb briefing
The head guide normally arrange a pre-climb briefing the day before the hike start. We recommend booking an early flight allowing enough time to attend the briefing. During the briefing the guide will review climb plans, check your gear and arrange gear rentals if needed. The guide will also answer any questions you might have.
Join a group hike!
Join a 7 day Machame route group hike from only
US $ 2210 per person sharing!
Click here for more information.
Book a private hike!
Reserve a private 7 day Machame route hike from only
US $ 2 348 per person sharing!
Click here for more information.
The Barranco Wall
The Barranco Wall, despite its intimidating name, isn’t a sheer cliff but a steep, rocky ridge. It rises 257 meters (843 feet) on the mountain’s southern slope. The path winds its way up the ridge through a series of switchbacks. It is manageable for most hikers with reasonable fitness and some basic scrambling ability.
Although it looks daunting from below, the Barranco Wall is not a technical climb. No special gear or advanced skills are required. In reality, it’s more of a fun scramble than a serious challenge. Your guide will be there to assist you along the way. The trickiest part is a single wide step around a rock outcrop, but once you’re past it, the rest is straightforward and rewarding.
Machame route map
For a more detailed view of the Machame route, kindly click on the provided route map for an enlarged version. Alternatively visit our blog post for our interactive Machame route map!
