9 Days Machame Route

Key highlights

Check out our Kilimanjaro Trekking Packages for an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to conquer Africa's highest peak while taking in breathtaking scenery and encountering the unique wildlife that calls Kilimanjaro home!

itinerary at a glance

Day 1

Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Distance approx. 35km; driving time approx. 45 minutes

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by our transfer driver and taken to the Meru View Lodge in the Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can either relax at the lodge or explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming trek.

Dinner
Meru View Lodge
Day 2

Arusha – Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the entrance gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination: the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.

BreakFast , Lunch , Dinner
Machame camp
Day 3

Machame Camp (3010m) – New Shira Camp (3845m)

After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.

BreakFast , Lunch , Dinner
Shira Camp
Day 4

New Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

Today you will climb about 800 metres, but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise as a height of over 4500 metres will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain: the Barranco Camp.

BreakFast , Lunch , Dinner
Barranco camp
Day 5

Barranco Camp (3960m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. Safety is paramount, and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge, as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley, you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.

BreakFast , Lunch , Dinner
Barafu Camp
Day 6

Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point (5730m), the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360-degree view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp where supper and a well-earned rest await you.

Mweka Camp
Day 7

Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Arusha

The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a hot shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.

BreakFast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 8

Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean.

Overnight Accommodations

Extend your Stay
Arrive Early

Nights 1

Meru View Lodge , Kilimanjuro
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Nights 2

Machame camp, Kilimanjuro
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Nights 3

Shira Camp , Kilimanjuro
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Nights 4

Barranco camp , Kilimanjuro
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Nights 5

Barafu Camp , Kilimanjuro
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Nights 6

Mweka Camp, Kilimanjuro
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Extend your Stay
Stay Later

Includes & Excludes

  • Pick up & drop off at Arusha town (any hotel)
  • Game viewing in 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof on exclusive basis.
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver guide.
  • Accommodation as per itinerary.
  • Meals as per itinerary.
  • Drinking water while on safari provided in safari vehicle.
  • Park fees and conservations fees as per itinerary.
  • 18% VAT on park fees and game drives for safari.
  • Tourist visas.
  • Personal travel/medical insurance.
  • Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary.
  • Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages unless provided at accommodations.
  • Tips for driver guide and lodge/camp staff.
  • Any international flights and departure taxes.
  • Any items of personal nature (laundry service, telephone/internet bills, souvenirs).
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