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The Machame route covers 62 km and begins at Machame Gate on the mountain’s southwest side. The trail goes through rainforest before opening into moorland and continuing to Shira Ridge. From there, trekkers cross the Shira Plateau and join others from the Lemosho and Shira routes near Lava Tower. The path then drops in altitude to Barranco Camp, set beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Fields.
The ascent continues over Barranco Wall and into Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp, the staging point for the summit push. Trekkers typically leave around midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The descent follows the Mweka route, taking you back through alpine desert, moorland, and rainforest to the park gate.
With us, every trek is tailored to you. Flexible routes, personalized options, and expert mountain guides ensure your climb matches your vision. Together, we create a once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro experience designed just for you.
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During your trek you’ll be guided by a professional and highly experienced local English-speaking mountain guide, supported by a dedicated team of porters and a skilled cook. They will ensure your safety, comfort, and success every step of the way. Your climb includes well-planned routes, nutritious hot meals, and comfortable mountain camps with quality tents and sleeping gear—giving you the best possible chance to reach the summit
Tanzania - Mount Kilimanjaro
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Cave Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
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On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by a representative holding a placard with your name. After clearing immigration and collecting your bags, you’ll be assisted to the vehicle for the transfer to Moshi.
Tonight, you’ll stay at Brubru Lodge, a quiet property on the edge of town with simple but comfortable rooms, a garden setting, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an easy place to rest after a long flight. Later, your chief guide will meet you for a trek briefing, a gear check, and to discuss rental arrangements if needed. The rest of the evening is yours to settle in, freshen up, and prepare for tomorrow.
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
The drive from Brubru Lodge in Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The drive winds through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After registering at the park logbook, we now leave 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.
Machame Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, you climb up and out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. You cross many streams and walk over a plateau that leads to Shira Cave Camp.
At this campsite you have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the east. Today’s hike lasts about five to six hours in total.
Shira Cave Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From the Shira Plateau, we head eastward up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo Peak. As we continue, the 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.
We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. 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.
Barafu Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, it’s time for you to conquer the Barranco Wall. Today’s hike of four to five hours is all about acclimatisation. Although it may look intimidating at first, most trekkers report the wall isn’t as difficult as they anticipated.
At the top of the wall you’re above the clouds and have incredible views of the Southern Ice Fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down until you arrive at Karanga Camp, where you spend the night.
Karanga Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, 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 here.
Barafu Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tonight, your guide will wake you up around midnight so you can begin your summit attempt, which many describe as the most mentally and physically challenging part of the whole Kilimanjaro climb. The route heads northwest into the dark night.
After about six or seven hours you reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,685 m (18,651 ft) above sea level. It should be sunrise about now, and you continue for an hour or so on a sometimes snow-covered trail to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), which is the very highest point in all of Africa!
After reaching the summit, you descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m (10,204 ft) above sea level. Here, you spend your final night on the mountain after having hiked for about 12 to 16 hours today!
Barafu Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi!
Breakfast, Lunch
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