• Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Machame Gate – Machame Camp (3,010m)

After arriving in Moshi, you transfer to Machame Gate at 1,800 meters where registration and final preparations take place. The trek begins with a steady climb through dense rainforest filled with birds and playful monkeys. As you gain over 1,200 meters of elevation, the trail winds deeper into the forest before reaching Machame Camp. Here, at 3,010 meters, you spend your first night under the stars on the mountain.

• Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,845m)

Leaving the forest behind, the path ascends into open moorland where giant heathers and volcanic rock formations dominate the landscape. The climb is shorter but steeper, offering dramatic views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. By early afternoon, you arrive at Shira Camp, where an acclimatization hike can be taken to aid adjustment to the altitude.

• Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)

This is one of the most important acclimatization days of the trek. The route rises steadily to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, where you pause for lunch in the stark alpine desert. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy comes into play as you then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,976 meters. The dramatic camp setting beneath the Breach Wall and Western Breach cliffs makes this one of the most scenic nights on the mountain.

• Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)

The day begins with the thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that rewards climbers with sweeping views of the valleys below. From the top, the trail descends and climbs gently across ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows extra time for rest and acclimatization. Karanga is also the last reliable water point before the summit.

• Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)

The trail continues upward through the alpine desert, a barren landscape of rock and ice. The ascent to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt, is relatively short but demanding at altitude. On arrival, climbers enjoy an early dinner before resting in preparation for the midnight summit push. From Barafu, you can see both the summit of Uhuru Peak and the jagged Mawenzi Peak in the distance.

•  Day 6: Summit Night – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Shortly after midnight, the most challenging part of the climb begins. With headlamps lighting the way, you ascend switchbacks across loose scree toward Stella Point at 5,739 meters. As dawn approaches, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating at the summit and taking in the breathtaking sunrise views, you begin the long descent. First returning to Barafu Camp, you then continue downward to Mweka Camp in the forest zone, where you spend the night after an exhausting yet unforgettable day.

• Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

On the final morning, the trail leads you down through the lush rainforest once again. After three to four hours of trekking, you arrive at Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Here, climbers receive summit certificates—gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak and green for those who reached Stella Point. After a short celebration, you transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned rest and the conclusion of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Highlights:
✔ Final descent through rainforest
✔ Certificate ceremony at Mweka Gate
✔ Celebration & transfer back to Moshi

Why Choose the Machame Route?

✔ Best scenery (rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers)
✔ Higher success rate (due to better acclimatization)
✔ Less crowded than Marangu (but still popular)

Challenges of the Machame Route

❌ More physically demanding (steep sections, longer days)
❌ Camping only (no huts like Marangu)

Tips for Success on the Machame Route

✔ Choose the 7-day option (better acclimatization than 6 days)
✔ Train for endurance (hiking with elevation gain & long hours)
✔ Layer up! (summit night is extremely cold – below -20°C/-4°F)
✔ Stay hydrated & pace yourself (altitude is the real challenge)

Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Book your Machame Route trek with expert guides, top-notch meals, and a proven acclimatization plan for the best summit chance!