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
You will be picked up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to a base hotel in Moshi. The town of Moshi is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax over dinner and rest up for your adventure.
Day 2 Machame Camp
Following breakfast, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Begin ascending the mountain via the Machame Route. Follow the trail as it winds through a beautifully lush rain forest. Depending on weather, the trek 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
The forest is left behind as you hike along a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. After that, the path drops into a scenic river gorge. Follow that with climbing 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. Undoubtedly, rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley amaze as you absorb sightings of typical Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation. Tonight’s camp is 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) and lunch. Follow by continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4600m. Overnight is spent camping in mountain tents at Barafu Hut.
Day 6 Mweka Camp
Rise before midnight to ready yourself for the summit. While heading in a north-westerly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Assuredly, this 6-8 hour walk to Stella point is, for many climbers, mentally and physically, the most challenging on the route. Certainly, at Stella point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest. Mawenzi, one of the volcanic cones, will be silhouetted by the glow of the rising sun.
Subsequently, you will normally encounter snow as you continue the next 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! Next, 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. Finally, 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. Lastly is your transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
More Kilimanjaro Information
Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Equipment and Services
High Altitude Climbing and Altitude Sickness
