The Machame Route starts on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, and you can get there by driving 1–2 hours from Moshi or 2–3 hours from Arusha. This path is known for its stunning, diverse scenery that begins in a thick montane rainforest.
The journey covers 62 km and lasts 7 days, helping climbers get used to the high altitude steadily, which makes reaching the top more likely. This route is rewarding because it follows the climb high, sleep low acclimatisation principle throughout.
Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages include this route, offering one of the most scenic and varied paths up the mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing on the Machame Route is perfect for adventurous trekkers who want breathtaking views and a well-established trail.
A 1-day hike on the Machame route in Kilimanjaro is a challenging, roughly 8-10 hour trek (22 km round trip) that ascends from the Machame Gate 1,800m through dense rainforest to Machame Camp 2,835m.
Machame Camp is the first overnight camp on the Machame Route, one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at approximately 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) above sea level, the camp is positioned just above the rainforest zone on the southwestern side of the mountain. It serves as an important acclimatization point and introduces climbers to the changing landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
The trek to Machame Camp begins at Machame Gate and passes through dense rainforest filled with tall trees, ferns, and moss-covered trails. As climbers gain elevation, the vegetation gradually becomes less dense, transitioning toward the moorland zone where the camp is located. The scenery around the camp features open landscapes, rolling hills, and panoramic views of Mount Meru on clear days.
Machame Camp is known for its lively atmosphere because it hosts climbers from different trekking groups beginning their summit journey. The camp is often busy during peak climbing seasons, creating a social environment where trekkers from around the world share experiences and excitement about the climb ahead. Evenings are usually cool and misty, with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset.
Accommodation at Machame Camp consists of mountain tents set up on designated camping grounds. Basic facilities include toilets and ranger stations, while trekking crews provide meals and camping support. The camp’s location at a higher altitude helps climbers begin adjusting to thinner air before continuing to higher camps such as Shira Camp.
Shira 1 Camp is a scenic campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level, the camp is commonly used by trekkers following the Lemosho and Shira routes. It marks the transition from the rainforest and moorland zones into the open alpine environment of the mountain.
The camp sits on one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations, offering wide-open landscapes and spectacular panoramic views. Unlike the forested camps lower on the mountain, Shira 1 Camp features open grasslands, volcanic rock formations, and sparse vegetation adapted to the harsher mountain climate. The area provides clear views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains stretching toward western Tanzania.
Trekkers reaching Shira 1 Camp often notice the effects of higher altitude for the first time, making the camp an important acclimatization stop during the climb. The route leading to the camp is less steep than many other sections of the mountain, allowing climbers to gradually gain elevation while enjoying the unique scenery of the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation at Shira 1 Camp is entirely tent-based, with camping areas spread across the plateau. Facilities are basic and include toilets and ranger stations. Nights at the camp are usually colder and windier than those at lower camps due to the open landscape and higher elevation. However, the clear skies often provide excellent opportunities for stargazing and photography.
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic and memorable camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters (13,000 feet). Positioned on the southern slopes of the mountain, the camp is commonly used by climbers trekking through the Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe routes. Surrounded by towering volcanic landscapes and unique alpine vegetation, Barranco Camp offers trekkers a beautiful resting point before continuing toward the summit.
The camp lies within the dramatic Barranco Valley, beneath the famous Barranco Wall and with excellent views of Kibo Peak. The surrounding environment is characterized by giant groundsels, everlasting flowers, and rugged mountain terrain that creates one of the most photographed locations on Kilimanjaro. Due to its position between the moorland and alpine desert zones, the scenery changes dramatically compared to lower camps, giving climbers a true sense of the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
Barranco Camp is also an important acclimatization stop during the climb. Many itineraries reach the camp after ascending to higher elevations such as Lava Tower before descending again to sleep at Barranco. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body gradually adapt to altitude and increases the chances of a successful summit attempt. Trekkers often spend the afternoon resting, enjoying mountain views, and preparing for the next day’s hike.
Accommodation at Barranco Camp is entirely tent-based, with climbers sleeping in mountain tents provided by their trekking operators. The camp includes basic facilities such as ranger stations and simple toilets, while meals are usually prepared by the mountain crew. Even with its remote setting, Barranco Camp remains one of the liveliest and most social camps on Kilimanjaro because several routes meet there before continuing toward the summit.
Karanga Camp is a scenic campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro located at approximately 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes as they continue toward Barafu Camp and the summit.
The camp sits in a valley surrounded by rocky ridges, alpine vegetation, and dramatic mountain scenery. Trekkers reaching Karanga Camp often descend from Barranco Camp after climbing the famous Barranco Wall. The camp provides an important acclimatization stop before ascending to higher elevations.
Accommodation at Karanga Camp consists of mountain tents arranged across rocky camping grounds. The area offers clear views of glaciers, valleys, and surrounding peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Mweka Camp is a forest campsite located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. It is commonly used as the final overnight stop for climbers descending the mountain after successful summit attempts.
The camp is situated within the rainforest zone, surrounded by dense vegetation, giant trees, and rich mountain forest scenery. After the cold alpine conditions higher on the mountain, many climbers enjoy the warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich environment found at Mweka Camp.
Accommodation at Mweka Camp is tent-based, with designated camping areas and basic mountain facilities. The camp provides a comfortable resting point before the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Choose the best season for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
The Machame Route takes between 6 and 7 days to complete. We offer both a 6-day and a 7-day package. The 7-day option is recommended as the extra day on the mountain greatly improves acclimatisation and summit success rates.
The Machame Route is rated medium to hard and is better suited for climbers with some prior hiking or trekking experience. It is more physically demanding than the Lemosho Route but remains accessible to anyone with a good level of fitness and determination.
The best times to climb are January to March and June to October. These periods fall outside Tanzania’s rainy seasons and offer the most stable weather, drier trails, and the clearest views from the summit.
The Machame Route is rated medium to hard. The daily hiking distances are longer than some other routes, and the terrain is more varied and challenging. The Barranco Wall scramble and the steep final ascent to Stella Point are the most demanding sections.
The Machame Route has a 90% summit success rate, making it one of the more reliable routes on Kilimanjaro. Choosing the 7-day itinerary over the 6-day option gives your body the best chance to acclimatise and reach Uhuru Peak.
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and can be busier than more remote options like the Lemosho Route. However, the trail is wide and well-maintained, and the stunning scenery more than makes up for the company.
You will need warm, layered clothing, a sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a comfortable daypack. A full packing list will be provided when you confirm your booking.
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is required for all climbers on our packages. Please ensure your policy covers altitudes of up to 5,895 metres before your departure date.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
