Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route begins in the south west of the mountain and proceeds steeply north over two days until attaining the edge of the Shira Plateau at 3900m. From here it drops 50 metres to Shira Camp where it joins the Lemosho and Shira Routes onwards to the summit. From Shira Camp the view west over the jagged peaks forming the southern edge of the Shira Plateau is phenomenal at sunset.

Departure from
Arusha
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Best season
All year round
Transportation
Vehicle, Trekking
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Meals
All meals during the trek
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking, Trekking
Language
English, Spanish, French, Italian
Accomodation
Hotel first night and last after the trek, Camping while trekking
Destinations
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Safari Tours
Activities
Hiking, Mountain Climbing and Trekking, Trekking
Trip Type
Mountain Climbing, Nature Friendly, Photography Safari
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Highlights

From shira Camp its straight forward to the summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route begins in the south west of the mountain.
From Shira Camp the jagged peaks forming the southern edge of the Shira Plateau is phenomenal at sunset.

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Transfer to Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to Arusha for overnight. The rest of the day is free, enjoy the accommodations tranquil natural setting as you settle in for your first night in Tanzania. Take a stroll, enjoy the sights and sounds. Get plenty of rest tomorrow will be huge! Dinner and overnight at Maura Apartment.

Day 2 :

Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The day starts with a hearty breakfast and briefing with your tour guide. From Arusha we drive to Moshi. The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Dinner and overnight at Machame camp.

Day 3 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite. Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 4 :

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft Distance: 15 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi Desert Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 6 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 7 :

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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. Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic Dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut.

Day 8 :

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha

We save the best for last. After breakfast, we embark on our final descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you to Arusha for overnight. Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Dinner and over night at Maura Apartment.

Day 9 :

Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport

It’s the final day in mainland Tanzania, depending with the time of your flight departure, be sure to grab any last minute souvenirs you may want and say one last goodbye to the the new friends you made in Tanzania before. Our drive will come to the hotel to pick you up for trip to the Airport to catch a flight back home. Or else a trip to the beaches at Zanzibar is a good way to recuperate. We can also arrange many reasonably priced safaris before Mount Kilimanjaro trek to help with acclimatization. Kwa heri ya kuonana – (Good bye and see you again).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Masai Mara Nakuru Naivasha Safari Tour

Kenya Tanzania Luxury Safari

Safari Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda

Contact Info

Destinations

Activities

Trip Types