Interactive Machame Route Map
Follow the Machame Route from Machame Gate through the rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. Use the interactive Machame Route map to explore camps, altitudes, trail landmarks and the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Explore the Kilimanjaro Machame Route Map
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route Map follows the trail from Machame Gate on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak. It shows the main camps, important altitude points, acclimatisation landmarks and the descent route to Mweka Gate.
The Machame trail begins in dense rainforest before climbing to Machame Camp and the Shira Plateau. From Shira, the route continues toward Lava Tower for an important acclimatisation hike before descending to Barranco Camp. Climbers then cross the Barranco Wall and continue through Karanga and Barafu before the overnight summit climb to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.
This page focuses on the geography of the route. For daily hiking distances, hiking times, camp altitudes and summit-day details, read our complete 7-Day Machame Route itinerary .
Explore the Machame Route on the Map
Use the interactive Machame Route map to explore camps, altitudes, trail landmarks and the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Follow the Machame Trail Map to Uhuru Peak
The Machame Trail Map shows how the route climbs from Kilimanjaro’s southern rainforest through the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Barranco before reaching Barafu Camp and the summit. The descent follows the Mweka trail to Mweka Gate.
Rainforest to Shira Plateau
The climb begins at Machame Gate and enters dense montane forest before reaching Machame Camp. The trail then rises through heather and moorland onto the Shira Plateau.
Shira to Lava Tower
From Shira Camp, the route climbs toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 m before descending to sleep lower at Barranco Camp, supporting climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation.
Barranco to Barafu
Climbers ascend the Barranco Wall and continue through Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the high-altitude base used for the overnight summit attempt.
Barafu to Uhuru Peak
The summit climb passes Stella Point and follows the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The descent then continues through Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Major Stops Shown on the Machame Route Map
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route Map includes the main camps, acclimatisation points and summit landmarks used on the recommended 7-day climb. Altitudes are approximate and can vary slightly between maps, campsite positions and GPS readings.
One of the most important acclimatisation stages is the climb to Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 m, followed by a descent to sleep lower at Barranco Camp.
For daily hiking times, distances and complete camp-by-camp details, read our 7-Day Machame Route itinerary .
Dense rainforest, damp trails and lush vegetation characterise the opening stage on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes.
The forest gives way to open moorland, giant heathers and wider views as the trail climbs onto the Shira Plateau.
Rocky, exposed terrain with large temperature changes, sparse vegetation and increasingly high-altitude conditions.
Cold summit conditions, scree and volcanic rock dominate the final ascent toward Kilimanjaro’s crater rim and highest point.
Machame Route Distance and Daily Stages
The Machame Route covers approximately 61 kilometres or 38 miles from Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Gate. Exact measurements vary slightly according to campsite position, trail conditions and GPS source.
The recommended seven-day itinerary includes an overnight at Karanga Camp instead of continuing directly from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp. This provides a better-paced approach to summit night and additional time for acclimatisation.
Kilimanjaro Machame Route Map FAQ
Answers about the route’s start, finish, distance, camps, map use and recommended duration.
Ready to Climb the Machame Route?
Choose a seven-day scheduled departure or request a private Machame Route climb planned around your preferred dates.