The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic path up Kilimanjaro. Offering varied landscapes and optimal acclimatization, it winds through lush rainforest, volcanic ridges, alpine desert, and up to the snow-capped summit at Uhuru Peak.
Machame Route
Machame Gate to Mweka Gate
7 Days / 6 Nights
Jan–Mar-Jun–Oct
62 km (39 miles)
5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
Full-service camping in high-quality tents
After check-in at Machame Gate, the trail winds through rich montane rainforest. You may spot blue monkeys and unique birdlife as you climb steadily to Machame Camp, nestled just above the forest zone.
Today’s trail begins with a steep ridge then flattens across the Shira Plateau, a wide, open expanse with views of Kibo and Mt. Meru. You’ll camp at Shira Camp, where the landscape begins to take on a more alpine feel.
3,850m (Lava Tower)
4,600m (Barranco)
10 km / 6 miles
6–8 hours
Alpine Desert
An important acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp—“climb high, sleep low” improves your altitude adaptation. The iconic Barranco Wall looms above, waiting for the next morning.
3,976m
to 3,995m
5 km / 3 miles
4–5 hours
Alpine Desert
You’ll climb the famous Barranco Wall, an exhilarating scramble with panoramic views. The trail dips and rises through valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, a short but vital acclimatization stop.
Start at midnight under the stars. Trek past Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After sunrise at the top of Africa, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night.
Start at midnight under the stars. Trek past Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After sunrise at the top of Africa, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night.
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