From Nairobi: 6 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route in Tanzania

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): (3,000 m): 5-. 6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.

Distance: 11 km.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Montane Forest.

Overnight: Machame Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The journey from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro Machame Gate lasts about 50 minutes, traversing the villages of Machame located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching the Machame gate, you will begin your climbing expedition along a winding path that meanders through the verdant rainforest and ascends a ridge. It is advisable to use gaiters and trekking poles, as the trail may be muddy and slippery at the lower elevations of the mountain. Following a brief hike from the Machame gate, you will reach Machame Camp.

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.

Distance: 9 km.

Walking Time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland

Overnight: Shira Cave Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will leave the lush glades of the rainforest and follow a steadily climbing trail, crossing a valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro then veers westward into a river gorge, leading you to the Shira Cave Camp.

Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: (3,950 m.) 12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.

Distance: 15 km.

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, you enjoy a gentle climb with panoramic views as you cross the southwest side of Kilimanjaro. After passing via the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, you’ll stop for a hot lunch at the base of the Lava Tower (4,600 m). After lunch, you’ll continue descending into the Great Barranco Valley, reaching an elevation of 3,950 meters at Barranco Camp.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 9km/

Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following breakfast, you will begin your journey from Barranco Camp and tackle the steep Barranco Wall at an elevation of 4,250m/13,900ft. Subsequently, you will pass through Karanga Camp, located at an elevation of 4,050m/13,250ft, as you make your way to the junction that connects with the Mweka Route. From this point, the path continues to ascend towards Barafu Camp. This marks the end of the picturesque Southern Circuit, which provides panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak summit from multiple perspectives. You will establish your camp here, with the summit visible in the distance.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 6km up / 13km down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the mid-night times from 2 a.m., you’ll begin your final ascent push toward the summit, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The trail takes you northwest, climbing through steep scree to reach Stella Point near the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. This section is the most physically and mentally demanding and challenging part of the whole climb. Upon arrival at Stella Point, you’ll take a brief rest and be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise—the most unforgettable sight. Then hiking at a faster pace may even witness the sunrise from the Uhuru Peak summit itself. From the Stella Point, the final hour-long push to the Uhuru Peak may include snowy conditions depending the weather. Reaching at the Uhuru Peak marks your arrival at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro—and all of Africa! From the Uhuru Paek summit, your climbing down begins straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu Camp for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful for navigating the loose gravel on the way down desend.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Destination: Machame Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Overnight: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water

After breakfast, you’ll begin your final trail to the Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. The trail can be muddy and wet at lower altitudes of the mountain, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Lightweight clothing such as shorts and T-shirts should be more sufficient, though it’s wise to keep rain gear and warmer layers within a reach. Our vehicle will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your mid-range hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer back to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your home departure.