Machame Route
Tanzania
An iconic high-altitude trek to the Roof of Africa
Rising from the savannahs of northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list climb for trekkers around the world. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak towers above the East African landscape—and the Machame Route is one of the most popular and beautiful ways to reach it.
This six-day climb begins with an approach through dense montane rainforest, alive with bird calls and the chatter of monkeys. As the route ascends, the forest gives way to moorland and heather-covered ridges, where panoramic views unfold across the Shira Plateau and toward the volcanic cones of Mawenzi and Kibo. Daily altitude gains are designed with acclimatisation in mind, with a key high-point at Lava Tower offering the chance to “climb high, sleep low” before your summit push.
Each night, you’ll camp under the stars in remote, scenic campsites, looked after by a dedicated mountain team who prepare your meals and transport gear. The final ascent begins just before midnight, with headlamps lighting the way to Stella Point and, eventually, the summit of Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
This is a challenging trek that requires good fitness and determination, but no technical climbing skills. With the right support and pacing, reaching the summit is an unforgettable and empowering achievement.
You will love
- Scenic Machame summit route
- Sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Crossing the Shira Plateau
- Dramatic Barranco Wall climb
- Dedicated mountain crew support
- Glacier views & alpine desert
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | MOSHI | 1 NIGHT
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi, a small, lively town nestled at the base of the mountain. The day is yours to rest, recover from your flight, and prepare for the climb. In the afternoon, meet your head guide for a detailed briefing and gear check. Your mountain crew will ensure you’re properly equipped for the trek ahead. Overnight in a conveniently located property in Moshi.
DAY 2 | MACHAME CAMP | 1 NIGHT
(2,980 m/9,780 ft)
Walking Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,490 m/4,890 ft
Depart Moshi after breakfast for the 1-hour drive to Machame Gate (1,800m). After registration and final preparations, begin your trek through the thick montane rainforest. The trail winds gently uphill, often under a canopy of trees dripping with moss. Expect some mud and humidity. The walk takes around 5–6 hours, arriving at Machame Camp in time for tea and dinner. Overnight in tents.
DAY 3 | NEW SHIRA CAMP | 1 NIGHT
(3,840 m/12,600 ft)
Walking Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Altitude Gain: 860 m/2,820 ft
Today’s hike climbs out of the rainforest and into the open moorland zone, with sweeping views back down the valley and out across the Shira Plateau. The vegetation changes dramatically, with giant heathers and volcanic rock formations shaping the scenery. The trail is steep in parts but steady, taking 4–5 hours to reach New Shira Camp. The afternoon is free for rest and acclimatisation. Overnight in tents.
DAY 4 | BARRANCO CAMP via LAVA TOWER | 1 NIGHT
(3,950m/12,960 ft)
Walking Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles
Walking Time: 7-9 hours
Altitude Gain: 10 m/360 ft (680 m/2,230 ft to Lava Tower)
This is a key acclimatisation day. You’ll ascend steadily toward Lava Tower at 4,640 metres, where you pause for lunch and a rest before descending into the Barranco Valley. The landscape transitions into alpine desert, punctuated by strange and towering plants such as giant lobelias. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,960m) for the night. Trekking time: 6–7 hours.
DAY 5 | BARAFU CAMP | 1 NIGHT
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
Walking Distance: 9.3 km/5.7 miles
Walking Time: 8 hours
Altitude Gain: 566 m/1860 ft
Climb steadily upward across increasingly barren terrain to reach Barafu Camp, the final base before summit night. The altitude is now significant, and you’ll feel the thinness of the air. Arrive by early afternoon to eat, hydrate and rest. Your guides will provide a summit briefing after dinner, before you turn in early for a few hours of sleep. Overnight in tents.
DAY 6 | UHURU PEAK | SUMMIT DAY
(5,895 m/19,340 ft)
Walking Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles ascent + 23 km/14.2 miles descent
Walking Time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 7-8 hours down (the overall walking time may vary between 10-16
hours)
Altitude Gain: 1,202 m/3,940 ft (Stella Point) or 1,345 m/4,410 ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2,795 m/9,170 ft Mweka Camp
Wake before midnight for a light snack and warm drink, then set off by headlamp into the cold, dark night. The steady 5–6-hour climb up volcanic scree to Stella Point is slow and demanding, with a string of headlamps glowing like fireflies across the mountainside. As you reach the crater rim, witness a breathtaking African sunrise—an unforgettable moment, often with views of the Earth’s curve on the horizon. From Stella Point, continue along relatively flat ground for 45 minutes to Uhuru Peak.
After photos at the summit, descend via the Mweka Route, often skidding joyfully down the scree to Mweka Camp.
DAY 7 | DESCENT to MOSHI | 1 NIGHT
(1,980m/6,500 ft)
Walking Distance: About 15 km, 9.3 miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Descent: 1,120m/ 3,670ft
Your final morning on the mountain begins with a gentle descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive a certificate of achievement. After farewells to your crew, return by vehicle to Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned celebration dinner. Overnight in a comfortable lodge or guesthouse.
DAY 8 | MOSHI | DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, extend your adventure with a post-climb safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing
- Trail Length: 6 day/5 night excludes pre / post nights at Keys Hotel
- Start: Machame Gate (1,490 m/4,890 ft)
- Highest Point Reached: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft)
- Finish: Mweka Gate (1,980 m/6,500 ft)
- Total Trail Distance: 90 km / 55 miles
- Best Time to Go: January-March and the end June-October
2026 DATES:
Machame Route 8 day/ 5 night hike Everyone welcome
| Sat 14 March | Machame Route 8 day/ 5 night hike | PRE KILI MARATHON RACE DATE: SUNDAY 22 MARCH |
| Sat 25 July | Machame Route 8 day/ 5 night hike | LADIES ONLY |
| Sat 12 September | Machame Route 8 day/ 5 night hike | Everyone welcome |
| Sat 17 October | Rongai Route 8 day / 5 night hike | LADIES ONLY |
Inclusions
- Pre- and post-night accommodation at Keys Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis (Machame route)
- Gear storage at Keys Hotel for duration of hike (the stuff you don’t want to take on the hike such as your swim suit, safari clothes etc)
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro National Park Gates
- Services of an experienced Kilimanjaro registered head guide and assistant guides during hike
- Porter service (hiker’s baggage weight limit 12kg)
- Climb briefing before the hike in Moshi
- Guide and porter fees as stipulated by Kilimanjaro National Park
- National Parks Mountain rescue fees
- Government tourist tax
- Three meals per day on the trail prepared by a seasoned Kilimanjaro cook
- Camping equipment (alpine tents, enclosed mess tents, compressed foam sleeping mats, camping chairs, tables, cutlery and crockery)
- Water during the hike (boiled for consumption and washing)
- Portable oxygen for emergency use
- Pulse Fingertip Oximeter
- Kilimanjaro certificate issued by Kilimanjaro National Park post hike (if you reach Stella Point/Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak)
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Meals not specified in Moshi
- Personal items & tips for mountain crew
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Sleeping bag hire (available on request)
- Optional post-climb safari extension
*Single room & tent supplement: $66 per person as of July 2025 – subject to change.
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