Kilimanjaro route
Machame Route
The 6 and 7-day itineraries from Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 6–7 days
- Price from
- $2,250
- Difficulty
- Moderate to challenging
- Starting point
- Machame Gate
About the Machame Route
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, known for its scenic diversity and strong acclimatization profile. It follows a climb high, sleep low approach and is well suited for trekkers seeking both challenge and high summit success rates.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best for: Scenic diversity, acclimatization, high summit success
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days | Day by day below | $2,250 |
| 7 days | Day by day below | $2,350 |
6-day Machame Route itinerary
The 6 day Machame Route follows the same scenic path but combines acclimatization days, making it a faster and more physically demanding option. It is best suited for experienced trekkers or those with limited time.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- 1,640 m / 5,380 ft → 2,835 m / 9,350 ft
- 11 km / 7 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through dense rainforest to Machame Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- 2,835 m / 9,350 ft → 3,810 m / 12,500 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Moorland
Ascend to the Shira Plateau.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 3,810 m / 12,500 ft → 4,640 m / 15,223 ft → 3,975 m / 13,044 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 6–8 hours
- Semi-Desert
Climb high to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,975 m / 13,044 ft → 4,660 m / 15,288 ft
- 9 km / 5.5 miles
- 7–9 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue directly to Barafu Camp, skipping Karanga. This is a long and demanding day.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,660 m / 15,288 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 12 km / 7 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,100 m / 10,170 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent and transfer back to Arusha.
7-day Machame Route itinerary
The 7 day Machame Route provides an excellent acclimatization profile with a more gradual ascent, making it one of the most successful routes for reaching the summit.
Arrive in Arusha
- about 1,400 m / 4,590 ft
- Rainforest
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a full briefing and equipment check with your guide team.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- 1,640 m / 5,380 ft → 2,835 m / 9,350 ft
- 11 km / 7 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through dense rainforest with lush vegetation and occasional wildlife sightings. The trail can be humid and muddy. Overnight at Machame Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- 2,835 m / 9,350 ft → 3,810 m / 12,500 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Moorland
Ascend into moorland terrain with expanding views across the plateau and toward the summit. Overnight at Shira Camp.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 3,810 m / 12,500 ft → 4,640 m / 15,223 ft → 3,975 m / 13,044 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 6–8 hours
- Semi-Desert
A key acclimatization day. Climb to Lava Tower before descending into Barranco Valley. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,975 m / 13,044 ft → 3,995 m / 13,123 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue across ridges into Karanga Valley. This shorter day supports acclimatization.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,995 m / 13,123 ft → 4,660 m / 15,288 ft
- 4 km / 2 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,660 m / 15,288 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 12 km / 7 miles down
- 7–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt begins around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,800 m / 12,467 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate and transfer back to Arusha.
Climb the Machame Route with Baraka
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Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
