6 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

  • 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
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The Machame Route

A Scenic Journey through Kilimanjaro’s Varied Landscapes

The trek on the Machame Route begins at the Machame Gate, situated at an altitude of 1,640 meters. This route offers a picturesque journey through a range of environments, including dense rainforest, heather, and moorland zones. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by the presence of giant lobelia and Senecio plants, while enjoying stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Itinerary: On day 3, you’ll face the exhilarating challenge of ascending the Lava Tower and then descending to the Barranco Campsite. Day 4 presents an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek through the picturesque Karanga Valley to reach the Karanga Campsite.

Summit Attempt: Day 5 is a pivotal moment as you hike to the Barafu Campsite, setting the stage for your summit attempt in the evening. You’ll reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, around midnight, marking an extraordinary achievement. The subsequent descent to the Barafu Campsite provides time for breakfast and rest before continuing the descent to the Mweka Gate on day 6.

Overall Experience: The Machame Route’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to allow climbers to acclimatize gradually to the altitude while savoring the breathtaking scenery of Kilimanjaro. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging undertaking, both physically and mentally. Trekkers should be well-prepared and ensure they’re in good shape for the journey ahead. Additionally, selecting a reputable tour operator and heeding their guidance is essential to ensure a safe and successful climb.

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Day 1

  • Arrival
  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • Machame Gate to Machame Camp
  • The journey begins with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. During this drive, you’ll pass through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain.
  • After leaving the park gate, the trek commences as you venture into the rainforest. You’ll follow a winding trail up a ridge. In the lower sections, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are advisable.
  • Continue along the trail through the rainforest until you reach the Machame Camp.
  • Your journey leads you to the Machame Camp, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Day 3

  • Machame Camp to Shira Camp
  • Start the day with breakfast, then leave the rainforest behind as you follow an ascending path.
  • Continue along the trail, crossing a little valley and ascending a steep, rocky ridge covered with heather until you reach the end of the ridge.
  • The path now turns west and leads you into a river gorge, where you can take a break and have dinner.
  • Conclude the day at the Shira campsite, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 4

  • Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Begin the day by moving east from the Shira Plateau, ascending along a ridge. You’ll pass by the junction that leads to the Kibo peak.
  • As you proceed, your direction changes to the southeast, leading you to the Lava Tower, often referred to as the “Shark’s Tooth.”
  • After the Lava Tower, you’ll reach a second junction that takes you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
  • Continue your journey by descending to the Barranco Hut, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Here, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
  • Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit day.

Day 5

  • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Begin the day after breakfast, departing from Barranco. Continue along a steep ridge, including the challenging Barranco Wall, until you reach the Karanga Valley campsite.
  • From Karanga, follow the trail to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Keep ascending until you arrive at the Barafu Hut.
  • You’ve now completed the South Circuit, providing unique views of the summit from various angles. Set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
  • While at the Barafu Hut, take in the magnificent vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo, the two prominent peaks of Kilimanjaro.

Day 6

  • Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
  • Start the summit climb between midnight and 2 am, heading northwest through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
  • Take a short break at Stella Point (18,600 ft) and witness a magnificent sunrise if weather permits. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa.
  • Descend directly to Mweka Hut after reaching the summit, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Gaiters and trekking poles are necessary for the loose gravel descent.
  • Expect mist or rain at Mweka Camp in the upper forest in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain in the evening, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Day 7

  • Mweka camp to Mweka gate.
  • Following breakfast, proceed with the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
  • Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles can be beneficial.
  • Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts should suffice, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible.
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MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS 4 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range($) Budget($)
1 6 2,400 2,200 1,575
2 2,100 1,900 1,340
3-4 1,950 1,650 1,314
More than 4

1,900

1,600

1,291

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
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Included

Excluded

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  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$1,291 to $2,400 pp. (USD)

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Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
Tom M
Tom M
2023-06-25
Incredible experience made all the more special by Honest and his team We couldn’t endorse Honest and his team more. Immediately after meeting, we were made to feel extremely welcome, safe, and informed, which remained throughout the duration of our adventure.We first climbed Mount Meru where Honest took us to spots to see Giraffes in the wild as well as many monkeys, warthogs, and other animals. This served as the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro.The team we had for Kili was exemplary. The whole time there was a real bond between the entire group. We’d regularly spend time beyond meal times talking with Honest and Justin about life and the adventure we were currently on which was extremely insightful. The food also far surpassed our expectations with exactly the type of fuel we needed such as pastas, fruits, eggs, etc. Our chef was called the “stomach engineer” for very appropriate reasons!Throughout the climb, Honest ensured we maintained an enjoyable tempo and there wasn’t a moment we felt too slow or rushed. The culmination of this was being fresh for summit morning and being the first team to summit, just as the sun was rising. With minor altitude sickness in the team on descent, Honest gave appropriate nutrition and instruction to manage the situation. Thereafter, there was a party atmosphere within the group, even having music and dancing on the last morning of the descent where we exchanged gifts and final stories.Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime made all the more special by Honest and his team. Perfectly prepared and executed that set us up for success. The relationship with Honest was tremendous, so much so that we are still in regular contact today and when a return trip is due, there are no hesitations in going straight to Zanzi Trekking and Safaris.
Toumi I
Toumi I
2023-05-23
The amazing trip We had an amazing experience with zanzi trekking and safaris ,they took care of every detail of our trip .we are so delighted to have organised everything with them .
Ghizlane Z
Ghizlane Z
2023-05-20
Professional and amazing Organizers very professional trip organizers. The guides are all ear and take care of every single details. Zanzibar was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline, new experiences and heartwarming people. I only can recommend and will definitely plan a Safari with Zanzibar trekking. The best is yet to come Much love !
Slim M
Slim M
2023-02-25
Wonderful experience! It was an amazing experience! We had so much fun, everything was very well organised.Thank you Zanzi
Eero
Eero
2022-11-18
Kilimanjaro Professional, yet easy going and well organized trek, with fantastic main guide Honest and his crew. Lots of good memories, laughter anf singing. Hieno kokemus kaikenkaikkiaan, asante sana!
renata C
renata C
2022-08-13
Wonderful adventure The climb to Kilimanjaro was well organized, all the people were very friendly and acommodating. A safari to remember. I would love to repeat this adventure😊
Laurent D
Laurent D
2022-07-20
Expérience parfaite ! Honest et son équipe ont été d’excellents guides, très sympathiques et très professionnels. Ils nous ont conduit au sommet du Kilimandjaro sans le moindre problème. Merci encore Honest pour cette magnifique ascension !
Benoit_JPA
Benoit_JPA
2022-07-19
Super guide et équipe ! Super expérience avec Honnest et son agence. L’accompagnement était top du début a la fin aussi bien pour l’ascension di Kilimandjaro que le safari. Un grand merci a notre guide et son équipe.
Steph M
Steph M
2022-07-17
Wonderful experience We had a wonderful experience with Honest back on 2017 who organized a trip for the ascent of Kilimanjaro and two Fays of safaris
Hemery Chris
Hemery Chris
2022-07-14
Best expedition of kilimandjaro Que du bon souvenir ! Honest nous a accueilli avec beaucoup d’attention, une équipe pour l’expédition de preniere ordre, la qualité aux services de l’ascension du plus haut sommet d’Afrique, le fameux kilimandjaro !A faire avant qu’il n’y ait plus de glacier en haut Et dans la foulee, nous sommes allee dans la jungle avec Honest pour voir ces anomaux en libertéJe recommande vivement !