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

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 drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro Machame Gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing via the villages of Machame on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. From the Machame gate, you commence your climbing adventure along a winding trail that leads through the lush rainforest and up a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations of the Mountain, so using gaiters and trekking poles is recommended for you. After a short trek from Machame gate, you will arrive at 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

After breakfast, you will commence from Barranco Camp and ascend the steep Barranco Wall at (elevation 4,250m/13,900ft), then pass through the Karanga Camp (elevation 4,050m/13,250ft) on your way to the junction that links with the Mweka Route. From there, the trail continues uphill to Barafu Camp. This marking the completion of the scenic Southern Circuit, which offer a panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak summit from various angles. You will set up camp here, with the summit visible in the distance.

Barafu Camp to 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 Peak 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 descend. You’ll end the day at Mweka Camp after stopping at Barafu Camp for rest, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

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 Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

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