Climb Kilimanjaro Machame – TKMCH
Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route, known as the most beautiful of Kilimanjaro trekking routes. This climb on Africa’s highest mountain leads you through magnificent forest terrain. The route is strenuous and suited to more adventurous hikers. Accommodation on this Kilimanjaro trek is camping in mobile tents. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5 nights on the mountain, with the nights before and after the climb being spent in a hotel.
Kilimanjaro Machame Itinerary
Day 1 Moshi
Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town. Moshi is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation is at a base hotel in Moshi.
Day 2 Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate and begin climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame Route. The trail winds through a beautifully lush rain forest, and depending on weather, can be moderate to demanding. Consequently, gaiters and trekking poles will be useful here. This night is spent in mountain tents at Machame Hut area (3000m.)
Day 3 Shira Camp
Leave the forest behind as you hike along a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. The path then drops into a scenic river gorge. Next, you climb more gently up onto the moorland. Consequently, your reward is breath-taking views of the Shira Plateau. Overnight camping is in mountain tents at Shira Camp (3840m).
Day 4 Barranco Camp
Walk across the plateau today for 5-6 hours. Absorb sightings of typical Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Camp overnight in mountain tents at Barranco Hut (3950m).
Day 5 Barafu Camp
Continue Machame route for 6-8 hours up the Barranco Wall. Then trek across scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100m) for lunch, before continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4600m. Overnight is spent camping in mountain tents at Barafu Hut.
Day 6 Mweka Camp
Rise before midnight and head in a north-westerly direction. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-8 hour walk to Stella point is, for many climbers, mentally and physically, the most challenging on the route. At Stella point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest. Mawenzi will be silhouetted by the glow of the rising sun.
Subsequently, you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 1-2 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5896m). Progress is slow with less than half the oxygen than at sea level. Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions. Take in the vista from the rooftop of Africa! Begin your descent down a steep scree path to Barafu Camp for a rest. Continue descending all the way down to Mweka Camp at 3100m. Rest well after your 12 – 17 hour day of trekking.
Day 7 Moshi
Descend through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your trek ends at Kibololoni Gate. Furthermore, you will be met and transferred back to the hotel in Moshi for celebrations, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 Depart
Enjoy breakfast as you bask in the memories of your climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Finally, transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Equipment and Services
High Altitude Climbing and Altitude Sickness
