Kilimandjaro MACHAME Route

Service Description

Day 1: Machame Gate (1830m) to Machame Camp (3000m) Distance: Approximately 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Elevation Gain: +1170m Details: After registering at the Machame Gate, you start your hike through a dense rainforest. You'll see lush vegetation, giant ferns, and trees covered in moss. Machame Camp is located at the upper edge of the forest. Day 2: Machame Camp (3000m) to Shira Camp (3840m) Distance: Approximately 5 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Elevation Gain: +840m Details: The hike begins with a steep ascent through a heathland area, followed by a crossing of the Shira Plateau. You'll have spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau. Day 3: Shira Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower (4630m) Distance: Approximately 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Elevation Gain: +790m (Shira Camp to Lava Tower), -680m (Lava Tower to Barranco Camp) Details: You ascend gradually to the Lava Tower, a high point of this stage, then descend to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (3995m) Distance: Approximately 5 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: +45m Details: The day begins with the climb of the Barranco Wall, a physical but rewarding challenge. Then a series of ascents and descents leads you to Karanga Camp. Day 5: Karanga Camp (3995m) to Barafu Camp (4673m) Distance: Approximately 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: +678m Details: You hike through an alpine desert landscape to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the final ascent. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit push. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4673m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3100m) Distance: Approximately 17 km (6 km ascent and 11 km descent) Hiking Time: 10-14 hours Elevation Gain: +1222m (ascent), -2795m (descent) Details: The ascent begins around midnight to reach the summit at sunrise. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) Distance: Approximately 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Elevation Loss: -1470m Details: The final descent takes you through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you receive your certificate of achievement.