Climb Kilimanjaro via
Machame route
We always recommend to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route since it has the highest success rate. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is a scenic route that starts from the Southern slopes where climbers climb high during the day and descend again before camping for the night. This helps with the much needed acclimatization.
You will need at least 8 days to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. The climb itself takes 6 days and 5 nights and we include one day before and after the climb in a comfortable hotel in Arusha.
Visit this link for more information on what you can expect on the Machame Kilimanjaro Climb Route
The best time to travel to Tanzania and to climb Kilimanjaro is between the end of June and the middle of October. The warmest time with the least amount of rainfall is between December and February.
Do I have to be super fit for this climb?
No, but the fitter you are the better. Kilimanjaro is one of the only mountains of this caliber that can be conquered without being an experienced mountain climber or trekker. It goes without saying however that you should be healthy and fit in order to master the 4 – 6 hour daily hikes as well as the 12 – 14 hour hike on the night of the summit attempt.
Please note: being fit does not guarantee that you will make it to the top… it all has to do with how well your body adapts to the high altitude. Endurance and a strong willpower is also needed
Private Expeditions possible from 2 climbers on your preferred departure date.
For scheduled group departures, check the calendar below
Reference # 8SSKILIMAC
| Route Cost: | $ 2,300 (USD) per person |
| Single climber: | An additional $80 added to above-mentioned price |
| Single Tent Supplement | Free |
| How long: | 6 days on Kilimanjaro, 2 days in Arusha |
| Accommodation: | Camping on Kilimanjaro, hotel in Arusha |
| Group size: | 10 climbers per group max |
| Start point: | Arusha, Tanzania |
| End point: | Arusha, Tanzania |
| Meals: | As indicated in Itinerary |
| Countries: | Tanzania |
Included: Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary, Professional, English-speaking guide, Mountain crew (cook & porters), Meals according to the itinerary, Drinking water, Overnight stays in hotels and camping on the mountain, All national park fees, All mentioned transfers
Excluded: Flights, Sleeping bag, Optional activities, Alcoholic and soft drinks, Visa fees, Tips, Personal spending money (for souvenirs etc), Travel insurance, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania, transfer to hotel in Arusha
Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to your hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day will be yours to do as you please; you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Arusha (a small taxi ride away). You will have a preliminary talk to help you prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame route.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the entrance to the Kilimanjaro National Park. The drive there takes about 45 minutes. While your guide takes care of the paperwork, you can watch the mountain team preparing for the climb – it is always impressive ‘what’ and ‘how’ everything is carried up the mountain. Once everything is done, your Kilimanjaro adventure via the Machame Route will begin. You will quickly be deep within the magnificent mountain rain forest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. With a little luck you might get a glimpse and hear the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After about 5 – 6 hours, you will reach the destination for today – The Machame Camp – which is situated just above the tree line at 3000m. Here, at the base of the Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) – New Shira Camp (3845m)
After an early start, you will leave the Machame Camp where the path steepens and the landscape turns into a moor and heath land, allowing you to take in the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous one and by mid-afternoon, you will reach the campsite at the Shira Plateau. The camp offers a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the warm evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: New Shira Camp – Lava Tower Hut – Barranco Camp (3960m)
Today you will climb around 700m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise as a height of over 4500m will be reached during the next two days before descending again. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape moves towards an afro-alpine desert. The trek passes through the spacious and sweeping Barranco Valley with its giant senecio and lobelia plants. After 6 – 7 hours, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp. We camp here for the night, enjoying a good evening meal.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
The trek for today starts with the climb of the “Barranco Wall”. Safety comes first and you will be secured wherever necessary along this route. Following the ridge as it wanders up and down, it offers wonderful views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley, you will have lunch in preparation for the 2 – 3 hrs climb to Barafu Camp (4640m). Once at camp, you can relax, have dinner and take a short nap in preparation for the early start for the next stage.
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
The climb to the summit begins at midnight after you had some hot tea and a light snack. You will start by climbing the screes of the Kibo, only lit by headlamps. After 5 – 7 hrs of climbing in the dark, you will arrive at Stella Point at the rim of the crater of Kilimanjaro. Another 1 – 2 hrs climb along the crater ridge will lead you to the summit at Uhuru Peak (5895m)! You have reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the “Roof of Africa“! Here, you will witness Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying its surrounding landscape being lit up and warmed by the rays of the sun – a truly liberating experience.
The simple descent runs almost along the same route and just before midday, you will arrive back at Barafu Camp. Here the rest of the mountain crew will have waited for you and upon your return will provide you with a warm meal. After a well-deserved break of 1 – 2 hrs, you will be on your way to Mweka Camp (3080m) where an evening meal and a well earned sleep awaits you.
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain guides. Then a gentle 2 -3 hrs descent through the rain forest continues to Mweka Gate where your driver takes you back to your hotel in Arusha. Once back in Arusha, you can just relax and relieve your aching muscles in the pool and enjoy the warm sun.
Meals: Breakfast; Dinner
Day 8: Arusha – Additional Services
After breakfast, you can continue with your travel plans or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Climb including the Packing list and Preparations.
Before and after the tour services
To help with the planning of your trip, you are more than welcome to book these hotels before and/ or after your tour through us. These hotels are either the starting or end point of your tour, or it will be conveniently close to it. These hotels also offer airport transfers. For information on prices, just click “Hotels and Transfers“.
The Meru View Lodge is a tranquil haven of peace set within a ten acres complex and is halfway between Arusha and the Kilimanjaro Airport. It’s close to the all tourist attractions and the Arusha National Park. It offers free wi-fi, laundry service, restaurant with gluten-free and vegetarian options etc.
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Head back to our Travel options and Destinations, or let us create a Custom Safari for you, tailored to your specific needs…
