MACHAME ROUTE
7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
route overview
Embark on an extraordinary seven-day trekking adventure along the legendary Machame Route, managed by Key2Africa Safaris, a renowned and trusted company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. This exhilarating journey promises not only thrilling challenges but also expert guidance and support every step of the way.
From the moment you set foot on the Machame Gate, Key2Africa Safaris will be your trusted companion, ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the trek. Their experienced guides, porters, and crew will accompany you, sharing their extensive knowledge of the mountain and its rich natural wonders.
As you ascend through the lush rainforests, traverse the rugged terrains, and conquer the Barranco Wall, Key2Africa Safaris will be there to motivate and inspire you. They understand the significance of this adventure and will create an atmosphere of camaraderie and encouragement, fostering a sense of unity among fellow trekkers.
With Key2Africa Safaris, you can fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro. They will ensure that your journey is not only physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally rewarding. As you reach the summit of Uhuru Peak, guided by the expertise of Key2Africa Safaris, the sense of achievement and triumph will be unparalleled. Celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment while taking in the breathtaking vistas and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
Choosing Key2Africa Safaris as your trusted partner, and let them transform your Machame Route trek into an unforgettable adventure, filled with personal growth, connection with nature, and the indescribable joy of standing atop Africa’s highest peak.
Day 1 : Machame Gate - Machame Camp.
On the first day of the Kilimanjaro Machame route, we´ll drive from Moshi to the gates of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. On the way we´ll pass the village Machame, which lies below the mountain. After reaching the gate, we´ll begin our final preparations so you´ll be fully ready. Starting from the gate, our hike brings us trough the forest at the feet of Kilimanjaro, all the way to the first camp. Here we rest, have dinner together and overnight.
Overnight at
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2 : Machame Camp - Shira Camp
After your first breakfast on the mountain, we´ll proceed climbing up. The path takes starts off steeper than the day before. We will pass trough the rainforest and past a steep rocky ridge. If you´re lucky you might see some views on Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. The route takes us further until we reach the Shira Plateau. Once reached, you will be able to see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. A short while after this, we will reach Shira Campsite where we´ll have dinner and overnight. Make sure to have some warm cloths on you, as we are pretty high up this night can be a lot colder than the previous nights.
Overnight at
Shira Camp
Day 3 : SHIRA CAMP TO THE LAVA TOWER AND DESCENT TO BARRANCO CAMP
From the Shira Plateau, we´ll continue on a desert-like rocky landscape towards the Lava Tower or “Shark’s Tooth”. For most people, this is the toughest day of the climb. Here is the highest chance of breathlessness and headache due to the high altitude. So make sure to take one step, and one breath at a time. Slowly Slowly. Once we’ve reached Lava Tower, we will head down once again, towards the Barranco Camp. The way down has beautiful views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Great moment to take a photo. After about two hours we’ll reach the camp, which is situated in a valley below the Breach and the Great Barranco Wall,
Here we’ll enjoy dinner and let us bodies rest from the high altitude we’ve experienced. This day is necessary to let your body acclimatize as we will ‘climb high and sleep low’ doing this will prepare your body for a successful summit day.
Overnight at
Barranco Camp
Day 4 : BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight at
Karanga Camp
Day 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Overnight at
Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Overnight at
Barafu Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
