Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The most scenic route up Kilimanjaro is via Machame Route, which progressively winds up clearly laid paths through a forest of wild violets and red-hot pokers. Starting in comfortable temperatures, you head through paths of moss and lichens, which hang on towering trees, clothed in a blanket of mist. Above the forest line, the vegetation changes to scrubland with huge lobelia's and giant daisy bushes, blooming like overgrown pompoms.
Towards Shira ridge, the terrain becomes more rocky and soon melts into an expansive alpine desert, decorated with large deposits of volcanic rock and fine grey dust. Glacial ice pours off the summit, stretching ice like fingers down to a height of about 4800m. At this point, you have breath taking views of Lava Tower. The crater of Kilimanjaro houses one of the most circular volcanic vents in the world, Ash Pit, and looming above the crater and Furtwangler Glacier, stands Uhuru Peak.
At 5895m above sea level, it is the highest point in Africa, and the highest freestanding volcano in the world. A sunrise summit on a crystal clear day, and you will feel like you are standing on top of the world. With only 6 days of trekking behind you and a gold certificate in hand, it's an experience that will live with you for a lifetime and an achievement to constantly reminisce over.
Day-1: Arrive
Day-2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2450m)
Day-3: Machame Camp (2450m) to Shira Camp 2 (3840m).
Day-4: Shira - Lava Tower (4630m) - Baranco camp (3950m)
Day-5: Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4550m)
Day-6: Barafu - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m)
Day-7: Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m)
Day-8: Depart
Machame Route Detailed Itinerary
Day-1: Arrive
Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.
Day-2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your day starts around 06h00 with breakfast, after which you head to Machame village and on to Machame camp to start trekking. Rain in the Machame forest is possible although the paths are in very good condition having been re-worked in 2005. About half way, you will stop for lunch before continuing up to Machame camp in the late afternoon.
Day-3: Machame to Shira Camp
You will head out of Machame camp and climb quite steeply for about an hour until you are above the forest area and then follow a more gentle gradient toward the base Shira Plateau. Then you will head up the rocky outcrop before heading in an easterly direction, towards Shira Camp.
Day-4: Shira to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will quickly leave the moorland scrub behind and enter into a moonscape of semi-alpine desert, while you hike constantly upwards toward Lava Tower. After Lava Tower your route will head down by almost 680m to the Barranco camp.
Day-5:Baranco Camp to Barafu Huts
Early morning, you will head up the impressive Great Barranco Wall. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over several ridges and valleys where you will see the magnificent giant Senecio Kilimanjari. You will then join up with your later descent route where you will head left up the ridge for another hour, before reaching Barafu Hut.
Day-6:Barafu Huts to Uhuru Peak to Mweka
You will rise around 23h30 on 19th November, and after some tea and biscuits you will head off 'pole pole' into the night. Heading in a North westerly direction you will ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5685) on the crater rim. The hike up is about 6 hours. The remainder of the climb to Uhuru Peak will take anything from 1-2 hours. After your moment of glory, you will head back to Barafu, in about 2 hours where you will have a chance to rest, buy a cola or two before heading down towards Mweka hut (3100m).
Day-7: Mweka Camp to Kilimanjaro Park Gate
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
Day-8 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
End of services
Kilimanjaro Full Moon Dates
| 2016 Full Moon | 2017 Full Moon | 2018 Full Moon | |
| January | 24 | 12 | 2, 31 |
| February | 22 | 11 | 2 |
| March | 23 | 12 | 31 |
| April | 22 | 11 | 30 |
| May | 21 | 10 | 29 |
| June | 20 | 9 | 28 |
| July | 20 | 9 | 27 |
| August | 18 | 7 | 26 |
| September | 16 | 6 | 25 |
| October | 16 | 5 | 24 |
| November | 14 | 4 | 23 |
| December | 14 | 4 | 22 |
Other Tanzania Tours
Kilimanjaro OverviewShort Kilimanjaro Treks
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Kilimanjaro Shira Route
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Mt Meru Climb
Safari Tours
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Best time | Jan - Feb, June to October |
| Sleeping | Tents |
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Trek Grade: 2CF A combination of very long days with steep paths, boulders and mountain scrambling. Glaciers and snow may be encountered at high altitude. There is no need for technical climbing experience. Medium risk of altitude sickness. Altitudes up to 6000m. Good cardio vascular fitness is needed with weight and circuit training and running. Lots of hill walking. Backpacks will weight about 4-5kg and contain water, camera and essentials. Trek weight loss in the region of 4kg. Fully Portered |
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Although we have some open departure dates, most climbs are arranged on a private basis.
Prices vary based on the number of people and days, from $2076.00 to $1652.00 per person sharing
For current prices
Price includes
Transfers from the airport to hotel and return
All park fees
The climb
All meals on the mountain
Sleeping Tents
Eating utensils
Two nights accommodation in Moshi on a bed and breakfast, twin / triple share basis.
Prices excludes
International flights
Required airport taxes
Visa's
Vaccinations
Porters tips
Items of clothing, sleeping bags and miscellaneous drinks, etc.
Ratio of porters per climber: 4/5 to 1
