Machame Route

One of the most popular and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a classic Kilimanjaro experience through dramatic scenery and diverse landscapes

The Machame Route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular scenery, varied landscapes and a challenging but rewarding ascent. Beginning on the mountain’s southern slopes, the route winds through lush rainforest before opening out into moorland, alpine desert and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. The trail passes iconic landmarks including Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall before continuing towards Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Accompanied by experienced, English-speaking mountain guides and a dedicated support crew, you’ll experience incredible scenery, expert support and the unforgettable achievement of standing on the Roof of Africa.

Why choose the Machame route?

Classic Kilimanjaro

Considered the classic Kilimanjaro experience, making it a great choice for trekkers who want to experience one of the mountain’s most famous routes.

A Rewarding Challenge

Known for its challenging terrain and adventurous atmosphere, with steep sections and varied trails that add to the excitement of the journey.

Popular & Social

One of Kilimanjaro’s most popular routes, offering a lively atmosphere where trekkers from around the world come together to share the journey.

The route at a glance

Duration

6-7 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Best For

Adventure Seekers

Summit Success

Up to 85%*

Crowds

High

Start Point

Machame Gate

*Estimated summit success rate. Success rates vary between operators and are influenced by itinerary length, acclimatisation, weather conditions and individual circumstances.

*Map not to scale. Route shown for illustrative purposes only*

Compare your Machame options

Both itineraries follow the classic Machame Route, with the 7-day option adding an extra day for a more gradual ascent and improved acclimatisation. Let’s compare each route and see which one best suits your pace, trekking experience and summit goals.

6-Day Machame Route

For experienced trekkers seeking a shorter ascent

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Machame Gate
Accommodation: Mountain Camping
Acclimatisation: Good
Summit: Uhuru Peak - 5,895m
Distance: Approximately 62km

7-Day Machame Route

For a more gradual ascent with extra acclimatisation

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Machame Gate
Accommodation: Mountain Camping
Acclimatisation: Very Good
Summit: Uhuru Peak - 5,895m
Distance: Approximately 62km

6-Day Machame Route Itinerary

Distance: Approximately 62km

Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Accommodation: Mountain camping (5 nights)

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,800m → 2,835m

Walking time: 5-7 hours

Distance: Approximately 11km

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Machame Camp

After breakfast at Green Mountain Hotel, you will meet your mountain team and begin your transfer from Arusha to Machame Gate to complete park registration and formalities. Accompanied by your professional guides and dedicated mountain crew, you will begin your climb through the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. The trail winds through dense vegetation, where you may spot colourful birdlife, black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys among the trees, before continuing uphill to Machame Camp. Here, you will enjoy your first evening on the mountain and settle in for the night.

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Elevation: 2,835m → 3,750m

Walking time: 4-6 hours

Distance: Approximately 9km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Machame Camp and continue your ascent through the upper rainforest, where the vegetation gradually becomes shorter and more open. The trail climbs steadily towards Shira Ridge, with the landscape changing dramatically as you leave the forest behind. As you gain elevation, enjoy expansive views across the surrounding landscape and, weather permitting, your first clear views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak. You will continue towards Shira Cave Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy peaceful surroundings as your body continues to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Day 3 - Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,750m → 4,600m → 3,900m

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Distance: Approximately 10km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Today, you will leave the Shira Ridge behind and continue towards the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually climbs towards Lava Tower (4,600m), providing an important opportunity for your body to experience a higher altitude before descending towards Barranco Camp. This ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach supports acclimatisation as you progress towards the summit. As you descend into the Barranco Valley, you will be surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and the towering Barranco Wall. Your evening at Barranco Camp offers spectacular views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,900m → 4,673m

Walking time: 7-9 hours

Distance: Approximately 9km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Begin the day with a scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding section with incredible views. Although steep in places, it is a straightforward climb guided by your experienced mountain team and isn’t as daunting as it looks! You will follow your guide closely as you navigate narrow paths and rocky ledges, including the famous “kissing rock” section, where you briefly lean in to the rock face. Once at the summit of the wall, you will be rewarded with impressive views across the mountain. From here, you will make your way towards Karanga Valley before continuing uphill towards Barafu Camp. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren, marking your transition into Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone. You will arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon, where you will enjoy lunch and have time to rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. After an early dinner, we will gather you for a pre-summit briefing before preparing your gear for the night, before retiring to your tent for a few hours sleep.

Day 5 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m

Walking time: 11-15 hours

Distance: Approximately 17km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

At around midnight, you’ll set off under a sky full of stars for the most challenging and rewarding day of the climb. The summit climb begins in darkness, ascending steep scree towards Stella Point (5,756m). Continuing with a slow and steady pace, you will follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude makes even regular physical exercise feel strenuous. After celebrating your incredible achievement and taking in the unforgettable sunrise, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, before passing back through the different ecological zones to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Day 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: Approximately 10km

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel, Arusha

After breakfast, you will begin your final descent through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. This trail is well-defined but can be steep and slippery, so careful footing is required as you make your way down. You may once again spot colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife along the way. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will complete park formalities before heading for a well-deserved lunch with the team, where you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement. After lunch, you will be transferred back to Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

7-Day Machame Route Itinerary

Distance: Approximately 62km

Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Accommodation: Mountain camping (6 nights)

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,800m → 2,835m

Walking time: 5-7 hours

Distance: Approximately 11km

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Elevation: 2,835m → 3,750m

Walking time: 4-6 hours

Distance: Approximately 9km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp

Day 3 - Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,750m → 4,600m → 3,900m

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Distance: Approximately 10km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,900m → 3,995m

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: Approximately 5km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,995m → 4,673m

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: Approximately 4km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Today is a shorter trekking day with the trail climbing steadily towards Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you gain altitude, with incredible views stretching across the mountain. Although the distance is short, the altitude gain makes this a more challenging trek, and a slow, steady pace is essential. After lunch at Barafu Camp, you will have time to rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. After an early dinner, we will gather you for a pre-summit briefing before preparing your gear for the night, before retiring to your tent for a few hours sleep.

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m

Walking time: 11-15 hours

Distance: Approximately 17km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: Approximately 10km

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel, Arusha

Pricing

Travelling with a group? Save more per person with our group discounts.

*Prices shown are per person. Our lowest rates are available for larger groups.

6-Day Machame Route

7-Day Machame Route

Group Size

Price Per Person

Group Size

Price Per Person

A typical day on the Machame Route

Each day on the Machame Route is carefully paced to help you enjoy the journey while allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude. From warm drinks delivered to your tent in the morning to regular breaks on the trail and nourishing meals prepared by your mountain chef, your dedicated crew will be there to support you every step of the way.

Morning | Wake Up & Breakfast

Start the day with tea or coffee delivered to your tent, along with a basin of warm water to freshen up. After a hearty breakfast, your guides will brief you on the day’s route before you set off on the trail.

Trekking | Walking at a Steady Pace

Begin your climb through changing landscapes. You’ll walk slowly with your guides, allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude. Regular breaks are taken throughout the day to rest, hydrate and take in the incredible views.

Lunch Break | Refuel & Rest

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by mountain the scenery. Your trekking team will provide a balanced meal to help keep your energy levels up for the afternoon.

Afternoon | Arrive at Camp

Arrive at your next camp and unwind after the day’s trek. You’ll be greeted with a hot drink and a basin of warm water to freshen up before dinner is served.

Evening | Dinner and Preparation

End the day by sharing stories and preparing for tomorrow’s adventure. Your guides will check on your wellbeing, discuss the next day’s route and encourage an early night to help you recover,

Meet your mountain crew

Behind every successful climb is a dedicated team working together to support you from the first step to the summit.

Lead Guide

Leadership · Safety · Experience

Your lead guide oversees your trek from start to finish, setting a comfortable pace, monitoring your wellbeing and helping you navigate the mountain safely.

Assistant Guides

Support · Encouragement · Expertise

Working alongside your lead guide, our assistant guides provide additional support on the trail and encouragement throughout your climb.

Porters

Strength · Support · Dedication

Our dedicated porters carry equipment, camping supplies and your main luggage, allowing you to trek comfortably with just your daypack. They also set up camp!

Mountain Chef

Fresh · Nourishing · Prepared

Your mountain chef prepares fresh, nourishing meals throughout your trek, helping keep you fuelled and ready for each day’s adventure.

Supporting our mountain crew

A Mount Kilimanjaro climb is made possible by a dedicated team of professional guides, porters and chefs who work hard behind the scenes to ensure your safety, comfort and success on the mountain.

At A Travelling Soul Adventure, we believe in responsible and ethical tourism. We are committed to ensuring our mountain crews are treated with respect, paid fairly, and provided with good working conditions. Your trek directly supports local employment and communities in Tanzania.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is a valued tradition in Tanzania and a meaningful way to show appreciation for the incredible effort and care provided by your mountain crew. Tips are shared among the guides, porters and chefs who contribute to making your adventure unforgettable.

Recommended Tipping Guidelines

While tipping is always optional, it is a valued tradition and a wonderful way to thank your mountain crew.

These are general guidelines and can be adjusted depending on your group size and experience.

We believe tips should be rewarded for exceptional service, not a substitute for fair wages. Our goal is to ensure every member of our mountain team is valued and respected.

What is included?

Professional, English-speaking mountain guides
Assistant guides, porters and chefs
All park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
Accommodation during the trek (plus 2 nights in Arusha)
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Mineral drinking water and hot beverages
Camping equipment
Private toilet
Airport transfers
Group medical kit and emergency oxygen

What is not included?

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Personal trekking gear (including sleeping bag)
Tips
Personal expenses
Tips for guides ($25), chef ($17) and porters ($12 per porter) per day
Additional hotel nights and meals outside itinerary

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is considered a challenging trek, with several steep sections, long trekking days and a significant increase in altitude. The route is physically demanding, particularly as you approach the summit, but you do not need to be an experienced mountaineer. With good preparation, a suitable level of fitness and the support of our professional mountain crew, the Machame Route is achievable for many trekkers.

Is the Machame Route suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Machame Route can be suitable for first-time Kilimanjaro trekkers who are physically prepared and comfortable with several consecutive days of walking. While it is a challenging route, you will be supported throughout the trek by experienced guides who understand the importance of pacing, hydration and acclimatisation. We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and choosing the 7-day itinerary if you would prefer a more gradual ascent and a higher chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

What is the difference between the 6-day and 7-day Machame Route, and which is better?

Both itineraries follow the same classic route and include a summit attempt at Uhuru Peak. The main difference is the pace of the ascent. The 6-day route is faster-paced, combining the Barranco to Barafu section into one longer trekking day. The 7-day route splits this section by including an overnight stay at Karanga Camp, creating a more gradual ascent and giving you additional time to acclimatise.

The best choice depends on your fitness, experience and preferred pace. The 6-day route is suited to trekkers looking for a shorter, faster-paced ascent, while the 7-day route is ideal if you prefer a more gradual climb and additional acclimatisation time. The extra day on the 7-day itinerary generally gives you a higher chance of reaching the summit, as allowing more time for your body to adjust to the altitude can improve your ability to cope with the final ascent. For many trekkers, the 7-day option is therefore the prefered choice.

What is the summit success rate on the Machame Route?

Summit success rates can vary depending on the length of the itinerary, acclimatisation, weather conditions and individual preparation. The 7-day itinerary generally offers a higher chance of reaching the summit than the 6-day option, as the additional day allows for a more gradual ascent and more time to adjust to the altitude. Our experienced guides carefully monitor trekkers throughout the climb and will always priority your safety and wellbeing.

What is the weather like on the Machame Route?

The weather on the Machame Route changes significantly as you gain altitude, with conditions ranging from warm and humid in the rainforest too cold and potentially below freezing near Uhuru Peak. The lower sections can experience rain, particularly during the wetter months (March to May and November to December), while higher up the mountain the air becomes much colder and drier. January to March and June to October generally offer the best trekking conditions, although weather can change quickly at any time of year. It is important to be prepared for a range of conditions, with good waterproofs and warm layers being essential for the trek and summit night.

What is the scenery like on the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is known for its varied and dramatic scenery, making it one of the most scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro. The trail begins in lush rainforest, before progressing through moorland and alpine landscapes as you gain altitude. Along the way, you will experience dramatic volcanic scenery and views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape before reaching the arctic zone and the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Is the Machame Route crowded?

The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, so it can be busy from the beginning, particularly during the main trekking seasons of January to March and June to October. You may encounter other trekking groups at Machame Gate, along the trail and at the campsites, with the busiest periods generally occurring during July and August.

Despite this, the lively atmosphere can be part of the Machame experience, with trekkers from around the world sharing the journey. If you would prefer a quieter experience, travelling outside the peak periods can help reduce the crowds.

What is the accommodation like on the Machame Route?

Accommodation on the Machame Route is in mountain camps, where you will sleep in comfortable, high-quality tents provided by our mountain crew. Your tent will be set up for you at each campsite, allowing you to focus on resting and enjoying the experience. You will have nourishing meals prepared by your dedicated mountain chef to help keep you fuelled throughout the trek.

How fit do I need to be for the Machame Route?

A good level of general fitness will help you enjoy the Machame Route and cope with long days on the mountain. You should be comfortable walking for several hours at a time and managing sustained uphill and downhill sections. Regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training and hill walking in the months before your trek can all help prepare you. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but preparation is important, particularly for the demanding summit night.

What happens if I become unwell or cannot continue?

Your safety and wellbeing are always our priority. Our professional guides will monitor you throughout the trek for signs of altitude sickness or other concerns and will assess the safest course of action if you become unwell. If you are unable to continue, your guide will assist with the descent and coordinate with the wider mountain team as needed. This is also why comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate mountain rescue cover is essential.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about your Kilimanjaro trek.

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