Machame Route - Climb Summary and Costs

With lush rain forest, river valleys and views of the Kibo Peak, the Machame Route is considered by many to be the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro. The extra day used on the seven day climb makes it much easier than the six night climb – offering a better chance of success.

We ensure you are looked after by a large team while climbing Kilimanjaro, including a chief guide, an assistant guide, a cook and numerous porters. You camp throughout the trip using the level of equipment which suits you.

Kilimanjaro - Machame Route - Climb Itinerary

Machame Route - Day 1 - Arusha
You will be met and transferred to your overnight stay at an Arusha Hotel where you’ll get a full briefing in the afternoon from your guide and be helped with your final preparations.

Machame Route - Day 2 - Rainforest
After a vehicle transfer to the start of the Machame Route, you spend the day walking to the Machame Hut through the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. This is generally a moderate day. Although poor weather can make it more demanding. Your first night’s camp on Kilimanjaro is at about 3,000m above sea level.

Camp altitude: 3,000m. Max altitude: 3,000m
Hike time: 7 hours. Hike distance: 10km

Machame Route - Day 3 - Shira
After an early start you head across a stream valley before a three to four hour climb up a steep ridge. You then descend into a river gorge before climbing a more gentle slope to the moorland of the Shira Plateau, a fascinating area of Kilimanjaro. Your camp tonight is near the Shira Hut at around 3,840m

Camp altitude: 3,850m. Max altitude: 3,900m
Hike time: 7 hours. Hike distance: 8km

Machame Route - Day 4 – Barranco Valley
During today’s five to six hour walk you have the chance to enjoy typical Kilimanjaro vegetation such as senecios, lobelia and helichrysum as well as the Lava Tower and distinct glaciers if the weather is clear. Although you reach 4,600m at your highest point, you then descend to camp at a lower level (excellent for your acclimatisation and to increase your chances of success).

As the path descends you should be able to sight Kilimanjaro’s Kibo Peak. Tonight’s camp in the Barranco Valley is at approximately 3,950m

Camp altitude: 3,950m. Max altitude: 4,600m
Hike time: 10 hours. Hike distance: 12km

Machame Route - Day 5 - Karanga
Your route today climbs the Barranco wall before heading across scree and ridges into the Karanga Valley. At this stage you are at about 4,100m and should enjoy spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach and the southern glacier.

You will reach camp by lunchtime today and will have enough time to relax and also take a short acclimatisation walk.

Camp altitude: 4,100m. Max altitude: 4,200m
Hike time: 4 hours. Hike distance: 4km

Machame Route - Day 6- Barafu
Having left Karanga, you climb slowly up a moraine ridge taking in the views of the southern glacier and glacial valleys threading their way down the mountain. The final section to Barafu is climbed slowly as it is quite steep.

Arriving again at camp around lunchtime gives you the afternoon to relax and prepare for the summit day to follow. You will have a final briefing from your guide in the evening.

Camp altitude: 4,600m. Max altitude: 4,600m
Hike time: 4 hours. Hike distance: 4km

Machame Route - Day 7 - Summit - Mweka
You set out towards the summit of Kilimanjaro in the early hours of the morning, with a summit guide alongside you. This final ascent across scree is taken very slowly but the aim is steady progression. Towards the top you pass between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers before arriving at Stella point and Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. If you’ve made good time, despite the lack of oxygen this far above sea level, you may be here in time to watch sunrise before you start your descent.

A long day follows as your descent camp is pitched at Mweka at 3,100m.

Camp altitude: 3,100m. Max altitude: 5,895m
Hike time: 16 hours. Hike distance: 14km

Machame Route - Day 8 - Arusha
Your final descent is through the mountain’s lower heath section and rainforest before you find yourself at the gate to the national park. From here you will be transferred by vehicle to the Arusha Hotel where you can decide the nature of your own Kilimanjaro climb celebration – splash in the pool, long hot shower, drinks at the bar or all three!

Max altitude: 3,100m.
Hike time: 4 hours. Hike distance: 9km

Machame Route - Day 9
You will be driven to the airport if you are departing, or collected from your hotel if your African holiday continues on a safari.

Costs
We can arrange Lightweight Machame Route climbs from $2,945 (£1,925)* per person (single supplement $75/£50).

We can arrange scheduled and private departure Luxury Machame Route climbs from $3,720 (£2,430) per person (single supplement $345/£225).

VIP Machame Route climbs can be arranged from $4,825 (£3,150) per person.

Private departures can be run on any date but require a minimum of two guests. For large groups we may be able to negotiate a discount.

The above costs include return airport road transfer, accommodation the night before and night after your climb as well as the nights on the mountain.

*Sterling figures are approximate. Exact prices will be calculated according to the exchange rate at the time of booking.

The Next Step
If you'd like to know any more information including accurate costs, departure dates of group climbs, or to check availability for a private climb, please call or email us