Machame Route

Route

What’s the plan?

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Overnight Machame Camp (B,L,D)

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Accommodation: Overnight Shira Cave (B,L,D)

Day 3: Shira Cave – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Shira Cave p to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Overnight Barranco Camp (B,L,D).

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the nontechnical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Overnight Karanga Camp (B, L, D).

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Overnight Barafu Hut (B,L,D).

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. 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 taking frequent, but 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. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. 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.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Overnight Mweka Hut Camp (B, L, D).

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha/Moshi which you can have options of doing a safari or you can extend your stay and have an inland flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar for a tropical beach holiday.

Find out more about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Machame Route here!

What's included

Included:

√ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel
Your trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel in Moshi, if needed. A transfer back to the airport can also be arranged.

√ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
The transport from Moshi to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.

√ Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are doing the Marangu Route, you’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.

(Huts on Marangu Route)
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.

√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.

√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.

√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.

√ Hot water for washing
Don’t expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.

√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude).  Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.

√ KINAPA Rescue Fee
The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.

√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.

√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.

√ Your own team of porters and guides
Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 3 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per trekking company.

Excluded:

× Visa for Tanzania
Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.

× Flights to and from Moshi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.

× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.

× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.

× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.

× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are choosing the Marangu Route, you will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals. Every campsite has a long drop toilet. Along the trek you can find your private space behind a rock. Read all about camping on the Kilimanjaro here.

Huts on Marangu Route
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.

FAQ

FAQ

Best Season
Because Mount Kilimanjaro covers a relatively large surface area and a lot of elevation, the mountain has more or less its own climate. Responsible for the weather patterns around Mount Kilimanjaro are trade winds that bring along moist from the Indian Ocean. Because of these trade winds, the months of March, April, May and November are the wettest. The southern mountain slopes are especially rainy in these months. From January to March there is a greater chance to see snow on and around the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This can be experienced as negative, but it will any case be much quieter on the trails. Although these are the coldest months, snowfall and cold temperatures can be expected from December to May. The most suitable and most popular season for climbing Kilimanjaro is from June to October. In these months you can choose any route without having to worry about rain too much. If you want a comfortable route during the rainy season, you best choose the Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the North. Due to the differences in altitude and the associated climate zones, it is difficult to estimate the temperatures.

Porters
Trekking on Kilimanjaro is hard, both for yourself and your support staff. Per person you have a team who will support you in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This team usually consists of a guide, three porters and a cook. This way you don’t have to carry your full gear yourself. The guide speaks English and usually the rest of the team speaks English as well. You can make things more interesting by learning a few words of Swahili in advance. 

Bookatrekking.com strives to only work with providers who treat porters in a fair manner. Without porters, there is no trekking on Kilimanjaro. They are the heart and soul of your adventure and every day, they carry part of your gear. Bookatrekking.com always tries to find a balance between an affordable trekking adventure and the fair treatment of porters. Read everything about porters on Kilimanjaro here.

Tipping
It is impossible to climb the Mount Kilimanjaro solo. This means that every climber has his or her own team. Both the guide, the assistant guide, the porter and the cook expect a tip. For the whole trek, this sums up to an amount ranging from USD 330 to USD 450. This is per climber, which means that the amount will not be smaller if the group is larger. Be generous. Read our extensive blog about tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Currency and Payment Methods
The currency of Tanzania is the Shilling. We recommend you bring US dollars or Euros to cover the costs of your visa, extra travel, and other. It is easiest to travel in Tanzania with US dollars, but credit cards are also accepted in most places. Before you travel, check with your bank whether your credit or debit card can also be used in Tanzania.

Visa Tanzania
Visa are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. It is possible to get a visa-on arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Look here at the website of the embassy for arranging your visa.  

Vaccinations
Tanzania is an area where yellow fever occurs and therefore we recommend you to be vaccinated. We also recommend that you have all other vaccinations such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. Always consult your health professional 90 days ahead of departure.

If you want to find out more about climbing Kilimanjaro you can find plenty of information and advice on our blog post.

Packing List

Packing List

Trekking in Kilimanjaro requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks. Also make sure to check our ultimate packing list for trekking Kilimanjaro.

Technical Clothing
– Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
– Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
– Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
– 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
– Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
– Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
– 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
– Fleece Pants
– Shorts (optional)
– Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
– 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
– 2 Sport Bra (women)

Headwear
– Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
– Knit Hat, for warmth
– Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
– Bandana (optional)

Handwear
– Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
– Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

Footwear
– Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
– Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
– 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
– 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
– Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Accessories
– Sunglasses or Goggles
– Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
– Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
– Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
– Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
– Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
– Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

Equipment
– Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
– Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
– Trekking Poles (recommended) 
– Head lamp, with extra batteries
– Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
– Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other
– Toiletries (Option)
– Prescriptions
– Sunscreen
– Lip Balm 
– Insect Repellent, containing DEET
– First Aid Kit
– Hand Sanitizer
– Toilet Paper (To be provided)
– Wet Wipes (recommended)
– Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
– Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
– Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Training

Training

Do you reach Uhuru Peak or not? There is a chance that you won’t. Often this depends on the unpredictable weather on the mountain. However, it can also depend on your own physical condition.

Do you enjoy hiking, have you gone trekking at higher altitudes and do you exercise twice a week on average? With a little extra training, you are soon fit to challenge Mount Kilimanjaro.

Is this the first time that you are trekking at altitude? Make sure you are well prepared. This is important for your safety, but also for that of your team. Make sure you start six months in advance with an hour’s walk or hike twice a week. Read this blog post and get fit for your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Shizi Safaris

Shizi Safaris

Because we know you’ve got things you would love to do, places you would love to see, cultures you would love to jump into and adventures to experience and remember forever, therefore we customize each tour itinerary to suit your wishes. Believe me, we are trusted and passionate tour operator specialist and professional handling from individual to group guided tour arrangements, we have experience in creates customized vacations from budget to mid range up to luxury journeys to inspiring destinations. Our packages are completely based around your interests and schedule and they are one of a kind experience that are as unique as you are. We can have you traveling from the depths of the crater of Ngorongoro to the highest point in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. Shizi Safari is committed to provide you with an amazing experience at the highest level service within East Africa. We always strive to make your Safari experience that will surpass your expectations. Whenever you choose Shizi Safaris, you choose your best ever time in Africa. We are honored to welcome you to the best tour destination in Africa and experience the best moments with a well respected and quality tour company. Karibu (Welcome)

Safety

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize.

While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built in. In some cases it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is therefore best to plan a number of extra days in Tanzania to cover for possible unforeseen circumstances. Read all about altitude sickness here.

How to Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

You wish you didn’t have to, but there is no other way: You find yourself having to cancel your plans. In this case, you lose your deposit, but since you haven’t paid the large sum yet, you at least save that. Please do let us know if you cannot make it. A no-show can be a small disaster for your trekking provider, who did its best to block your dates. View our complete cancellation policy here.