6 Days Machame Route
A compact Machame climb following Kilimanjaro’s scenic southern approach.
This climbing program follows the established camp or hut sequence for the selected Kilimanjaro route. Daily walking times and distances are approximate because pace, weather, trail conditions and acclimatization affect each trekking day. Mountain guides monitor the group throughout the climb and may adjust timing for safety.
Main Areas on This Tour
This route is arranged to keep the program practical while allowing useful time in the principal places listed below. The final order can change when seasonal conditions, accommodation location, park access or flight times require an adjustment.
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Highlights Along the Route
These are the principal areas connected to this itinerary. The exact wildlife, weather and local conditions are different on every departure.
Mount Kilimanjaro
A compact Machame climb following Kilimanjaro’s scenic southern approach.
Detailed Daily Program
Open each day for the full description. The program below is based on the tour material supplied for this website; final lodge names, operating times and any optional activities are confirmed with the quotation.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Experience & Practical Details
Walking time is approximate and depends on group pace, weather, trail conditions and altitude response.
Guides control the pace, rest stops and daily mountain routine with acclimatization and safety in mind.
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate passing through the village of Machame which is located on the base of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery.
Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Experience & Practical Details
Machame is a camping route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and uses a varied ascent profile before descending via Mweka.
The route includes important acclimatization sections, and the daily pace is controlled by the mountain guides.
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge, overnight at the Shira campsite.
Experience & Practical Details
Machame is a camping route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and uses a varied ascent profile before descending via Mweka.
The route includes important acclimatization sections, and the daily pace is controlled by the mountain guides.
Shira approaches from the western highlands and reaches the Shira Plateau early in the program.
The starting altitude is relatively high, so previous acclimatization and careful pacing are important considerations.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft.
Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same Elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Experience & Practical Details
Shira approaches from the western highlands and reaches the Shira Plateau early in the program.
The starting altitude is relatively high, so previous acclimatization and careful pacing are important considerations.
Barranco is an important acclimatization area on Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.
The Barranco Wall is a steep hiking section that is completed on foot with guide support; it is not a technical rock climb on the standard route.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut.
At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Experience & Practical Details
Barranco is an important acclimatization area on Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.
The Barranco Wall is a steep hiking section that is completed on foot with guide support; it is not a technical rock climb on the standard route.
Barafu is the main high camp used before summit attempts on several southern Kilimanjaro routes.
Rest, hydration, equipment preparation and an early night are important before the summit departure.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.
Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Experience & Practical Details
Barafu is the main high camp used before summit attempts on several southern Kilimanjaro routes.
Rest, hydration, equipment preparation and an early night are important before the summit departure.
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres above sea level.
Summit timing depends on pace, weather, trail conditions and each climber’s response to altitude.
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your certificates. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Park Gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
Experience & Practical Details
Mweka is the standard descent route for several Kilimanjaro itineraries.
The descent moves rapidly from alpine terrain back toward rainforest and the park exit.
What Is Normally Included
- Professional guiding for the confirmed tour
- Transport and transfers specifically shown in the final itinerary
- Accommodation and meals specifically listed in the quotation
- National park, conservation or activity fees specifically listed in the quotation
- Drinking water during the operating tour where stated
- Government taxes applicable to the included services where stated
What Is Normally Excluded
- International flights and Tanzania visa costs
- Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal equipment, laundry and beverages unless included
- Optional activities not shown in the final quotation
- Any service not specifically listed under inclusions
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