What is the success rate of the Machame Route?

The Machame Route has an 85% success rate, making it one of the most successful routes on Kilimanjaro. The 7-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization.

How difficult is the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is rated as challenging. It requires good physical fitness but is suitable for most people with proper preparation and training.

What is the best time to climb Machame?

The best months are January-February and June-October when weather conditions are most favorable with less rain and clearer views.

Do I need previous climbing experience?

No technical climbing experience is required for the Machame Route. However, you should be in good physical condition and prepared for long days of hiking.

Home Kilimanjaro RoutesMachame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - 5,895m

Machame Route

Duration

7 Days

Distance

62 km

View Itinerary

Difficulty

Challenging

Demanding profile best for trekkers with prior altitude experience

Success Rate

85%

Very Good success rate

Route Logistics

Machame Gate

Finish: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Group size: Up to 12 climbers
Minimum age: 10+ years
Max altitude: 5895m

Route Highlights

Scenic variety through 5 climate zones

Excellent acclimatization profile

Stunning views of Shira Plateau

Summit via Stella Point

Elevation Profile

1640m

4673m

Sleeping altitude

Peak altitude (if higher)

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What's Included

What You Get

Professional mountain guide & support crew
All Kilimanjaro park fees and permits
Three chef-prepared meals daily on the mountain
Quality expedition tents and sleeping mats
Daily treated drinking water and hot beverages

Prepare for Your Climb

Essential guides to help you plan and prepare

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Essential items to pack for your Tanzania safari adventure.

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

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Machame Route - 7 Days - 85% Success Rate

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

5-7 hours

11km

3000m

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure at Machame Gate (1,800m) with a warm welcome from your guides. Trek through lush montane rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birdlife. The trail gradually ascends through dense vegetation, with occasional glimpses of the mountain ahead. After 5-7 hours of steady climbing, reach Machame Camp (3,000m) where your crew sets up camp. Enjoy your first mountain dinner and rest well for the days ahead.

RainforestMachame Camp

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

6-8 hours

5km

3840m

Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend through the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains. Cross the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude desert with unique vegetation. The air thins noticeably as you approach Shira Camp (3,840m). This longer day (6-8 hours) helps with acclimatization. Watch the sunset paint the landscape in golden hues before settling in for the night.

MoorlandShira Camp

Day 3 - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

6-7 hours

10km

3950m

Today follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle essential for acclimatization. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic volcanic formation where you'll have lunch. The altitude here helps your body adapt before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This strategic route significantly improves your summit success chances. The descent through the Barranco Valley offers stunning views of the Western Breach and the route ahead.

Alpine DesertBarranco Camp

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

3-4 hours

5km

3995m

Start with the famous Barranco Wall scramble - it looks intimidating but is actually a fun, hands-on section that most climbers enjoy. After conquering the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley with its unique high-altitude vegetation. The shorter day (3-4 hours) allows for additional rest and acclimatization. Karanga Camp (3,995m) sits in a beautiful location with views of the southern glaciers. Use this afternoon to hydrate, rest, and prepare mentally for summit night.

Alpine DesertKaranga Camp

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

3-4 hours

4km

4673m

A steady climb brings you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), your base for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly lunar-like, with minimal vegetation. Arrive early afternoon to allow maximum rest before the midnight start. Your guides will brief you on summit night procedures, what to wear, and pacing strategies. Early dinner and rest are crucial - you'll wake around 11 PM to begin the final push to Uhuru Peak.

Alpine DesertBarafu Camp

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

12-15 hours

17km

3100m

Summit night begins around midnight with a slow, steady ascent. Headlamps illuminate the path as you zigzag up the steep scree slopes. Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise for breathtaking views across Africa. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - you've made it! Celebrate briefly before descending to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-deserved sleep at lower altitude.

Arctic/AlpineMweka Camp

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

3-4 hours

10km

1640m

Your final descent through the rainforest feels like a victory march. The air is thick and oxygen-rich after days at altitude. Enjoy the lush surroundings and reflect on your incredible achievement. Reach Mweka Gate (1,640m) where you'll receive your summit certificate and celebrate with your team. Transfer back to your hotel for hot showers, celebration dinner, and sharing stories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

RainforestMweka Gate

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Route Highlights

Elevation Profile

Peak Season Filling Fast

What's Included

What You Get

Prepare for Your Climb

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

Book Your Climb

Your Details

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 3 - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Quick Facts

Packing Essentials

Training Tips

Altitude Safety

What You'll Need

Kilimanjaro Route FAQs

What is the success rate of the Machame Route?

How difficult is the Machame Route?

What is the best time to climb Machame?

Do I need previous climbing experience?

Best Time to Climb

Essential Gear

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