Kilimanjaro’s Most Scenic & Popular Trekking Route
Machame route is likely Mt. Kilimanjaro’s most scenic climb. The ideal hike requires at least 6 days on the mountain and will take you through rainforest, moorlands, and via the Lava Tower before your final ascent to the peak.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi / Moshi
Depart Nairobi early this morning with a shuttle/private van to Moshi town, over the Tanzanian border. Upon your arrival, you can have the option of taking a walking safari with your guide, visiting the colorful Moshi Market, or you may prefer just to relax in your hotel for the afternoon, in preparation for your trek tomorrow.
Day 2: Moshi / Machame camp (3000m)
After a full breakfast at your hotel, we can drive to Machame park gate, where we can begin our trek through the rainforest to Machame camp at an altitude of 3000m. We can stop for a picnic lunch along the way, and this hike will take us about 5- 6 hours before we arrive at our camp in time for dinner tonight.
Day 3: Machame / Shira Camp ( 3840m)
This morning, we can continue our trek to the next camp, which is about a 4- 5 hour hike, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. We will arrive at Shira Camp at 3840m in good time for dinner.
Day 4: Shira / Baranco Camp (3950m)
We can have an early start this morning, heading to Baranco camp where we will sleep tonight at an altitude of 3950m. From Baranco camp, we can then continue onto Lava Tower for acclimatisation at 4600m, for a picnic lunch. This climb will take us a total of 6- 7 hours, and we can return to Baranco camp in time for dinner.
Day 5: Baranco / Karanga Camp (4000m)
After breakfast, we can begin our climb of the Baranco Walls, which reaches 4250m before arriving at Karanga camp at an altitude of 4000m, in time for a hot lunch and a rest. This will take us about 3- 4 hours, and it will be a good idea to walk around this afternoon for acclimatisation purposes. We will have dinner here at Karanga camp tonight and can spend the night here.
Day 6: Karanga / Barafu Camp (4600m)
This morning, we can continue our hike up to Barafu camp at 4600m, which will take us 3- 4 hours. An early dinner and sleep this evening
Day 7: Barafu / Uhuru peak (5895m) / Mweka camp (3100m)
Wake up for a hot drink and snacks at 11 pm to warm us for our 6- 7 hour hike to the Uhuru peak 5895m!! We should arrive at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in time for high fives with the sunrise!!. From the highest point of Africa’s highest mountain, we have about 3 hours to climb down to Barafu camp, where we can have a full breakfast and take the morning to relax before having lunch here. Well refreshed, we can then continue our descent for another 3- 4 hours to arrive at Mweka camp (3100m) in time for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 8: Mweka / Moshi
After breakfast, we can make our final descent through the rain forest to Mweka park gate, which will take us about 3- 4 hours, where our vehicle will be waiting to transfer us back to Moshi town. Our driver will bring you to the airport from where you will take your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll take care of that for you!
Important Information
Safari Inclusions:
- Licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guides, porters & cooks
- Park entry fees & camping fees
- Hotel accommodation before & after the climb in Moshi
- Full board meals during the trek
- All transfers between Nairobi, Moshi & trailheads
- Camping gear (tents, mattresses, dining equipment)
- Emergency rescue coordination
What to Bring:
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Warm layered clothing (for summit night temperatures well below freezing)
- Waterproof outerwear
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottles & purification tablets
- Personal medications, snacks, and first-aid supplies
