Machame Route – 9 Days / 8 Nights
Kilimanjaro Climb
Route: Machame Route via Southern Circuit
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Start Point: Machame Gate
End Point: Mweka Gate
Style: Scenic, gradual ascent with high success rate
Machame Route – 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route Profile: Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning scenery, a gradual ascent, and a very high summit success rate. The trail takes you through lush rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone. It merges with the Southern Circuit, giving trekkers panoramic views before the summit push.
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Start Point: Machame Gate
End Point: Mweka Gate
Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Challenging – steep sections, long days, but excellent acclimatization and high success rate)
Style: Camping route with varied scenery and acclimatization hikes
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
• Arrival at: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Transfer to: Melia Hotel, Arusha
• Elevation: ~1,400 m / 4,600 ft
• Accommodation: Melia Hotel
• Activities: Trek briefing, team introductions, equipment check
• Notes: Rest and prepare for your adventure ahead
Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Arusha
• Elevation: ~1,400 m
• Accommodation: Melia Hotel
• Activities: Optional acclimatization hike or cultural excursion (e.g. Materuni
Waterfalls, coffee tour)
• Notes: Light walking helps prepare your body for altitude
Day 3: Trek Begins – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Start Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
• End Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Terrain: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Machame Camp
• Notes: Dense jungle trail, high humidity; pace is slow and steady
Day 4: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp• Start Elevation: 3,000 m
• End Elevation: 3,840 m / 12,598 ft
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Terrain: Heath and moorland
• Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp
• Notes: Enter open terrain with views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak
Day 5: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
• Start Elevation: 3,840 m
• High Point: Lava Tower – 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• End Elevation: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Terrain: Alpine desert
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Notes: “Climb high, sleep low” to aid acclimatization
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Start Elevation: 3,950 m
• End Elevation: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Terrain: Rock face (Barranco Wall), valleys and ridges
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Notes: A short but challenging day with great scenery
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Down to Millennium
Camp
• Start Time: Midnight
• Start Elevation: 4,673 m
• Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
• Descent to: Millennium Camp – 3,820 m / 12,533 ft
• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Terrain: Steep volcanic scree, icy summit, and descent into moorland
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp
• Notes: Toughest day – sunrise on the roof of Africa!
Day 8: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Down to Millennium
Camp
• Start Time: Around midnight
• Start Elevation: 4,673 m
• Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
• End Elevation: 3,820 m / 12,533 ft (Millennium Camp)• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Terrain: Volcanic scree, ice cap, moorland descent
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp
• Notes: Challenging ascent rewarded with sunrise from the roof of Africa
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Return Home
• Start Elevation: 3,820 m
• End Elevation: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Activities: Receive summit certificates, say farewell to crew
• Transfer to: Airport or hotel for onward travel
• Notes: End of your Kilimanjaro adventure – well earned!
