7 Days Machame Route
Overview of the Machame route
Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01: Kilimanjaro Airport to Weruweru Lodge in Moshi, August 13th
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver, who will assist with your luggage. You’ll then enjoy a private transfer to Weruweru River Lodge in Moshi, about 45-60 minutes away, taking in the scenic landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once at the
lodge, you’ll check in, receive a welcome drink, and have time to relax. Depending on your arrival time, there will be a brief overview of the itinerary, followed by dinner and an overnight stay to prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure the next day.
DAY 02: Weruweru Lodge to Machame Camp, August 14th
❖ Elevation:1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
❖ Distance:11km
❖ Hiking Time:5-6 hours
❖ Habitat: Montane Forest
❖ Meals: Lunch and Dinner
The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue for a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 03: Machame Camp to Shira Camp, August 15th
❖ Elevation:3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12600ft
❖ Distance: 5km
❖ Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
❖ Habitat: Moorland
❖ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
❖ After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
DAY 04: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, August 16th
❖ Elevation: 3850m/12600ft to 4000m/13000ft
❖ Distance: 10km
❖ Walking Time: 5-6hours
❖ Habitat: Semi-desert
❖ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
From the Shira plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15250ft). Shortly after the we come to the second
junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 05: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, August 17th
❖ Elevation: 4000m/13000ft to 4050m/13250ft
❖ Distance: 5km
❖ Hiking Time:3-4hours
❖ Habitat: Alpine Desert
❖ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka trail.
DAY 06: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, August 18th
❖ Elevation: 4050m/13250ft to 4700m/15350ft
❖ Distance: 4km
❖ Hiking Time: 3-4hours
❖ Habitat: Alpine Desert.
❖ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit day.
DAY 07: Barafu Camp to Summit, then to Mweka Camp, August 19th
❖ Elevation: 4700m/15350ft to 5895m/19340ft, then down to 3090m/10150ft.
❖ Distance: 5km and 13km down
❖ Hiking time: 5-7hours up and 5-6hours down
❖ Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
❖ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Very early in the morning (midnight around 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the Summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
DAY 08: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Weruweru River Lodge, August 20th
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy)
A short drive back to the Weruweru River Lodge in Moshi allows time for reflection, celebration, and much-needed relaxation. Whether it’s enjoying a hot shower, sharing stories with fellow climbers, or simply resting, this marks the end of an unforgettable journey. The Machame Route has tested your endurance, rewarded you with breathtaking landscapes, and given you a lifetime of memories. You are now among the few who have conquered Africa’s highest peak-an achievement to cherish forever,
End of our trip, thank you for creating unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro with us.