The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, known for its diverse landscapes and high success rate (60-70% according to guides).
This route offers an excellent opportunity to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy spectacular views of the summit.
Main characteristics
Duration : 6 to 7 days
Difficulty : Medium
Success Rate : High
Distance : 62 km
Landscapes : Tropical, rocky, volcanic sand, offering different perspectives of the summit
Accommodation : Camping tents
Climate : Hot and humid in the rainforest, extremely cold at the summit
Acclimatization : Designed to maximize acclimatization with gradual ascents and descents
Itinerary
Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Ascent : 1191 m ; Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
Machame Gate - Mount Kilimanjaro
@anasantari
This is the first stop of the Machame Route, You will arrive here by car around 10-11 am and start walking 2 hours after that.
Your team needs to organize and dispatch the provisions and material, meanwhile you will register and have lunch.
Details
Machame Camp
@anasantari
The first camp you're gonna sleep in !
For me it was the worse, because of the humidity here...you are still in the rainforest, so your tent is gonna get wet during the night and some of your stuff too...but you get to enjoy a really nice sunset view !
Details
Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Ascent : 826 m ; Estimated Time : 4-6 hours
Shira Camp
@anasantari
Complete change of landscape, you will sleep in a rocky plane, and if you are lucky you will see the summit for the first time !
Details
Day 3 : Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Ascent (Lava Tower) : 783 m ; Descent (Barranco Camp) : -644 m Estimated Time : 6-8 hours
Barranco Camp
@anasantari
This is definitely the hardest day, except for summit day, you walk a lot up then down, you rarely get away without a headache but the camp has a really nice view !
Details
Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Ascent : 48 m ; Estimated Time : 3-4 hours
Karanga Camp
@anasantari
Expect for the wall at the beginning, which is still an amazing experience, the walk is easier and with amazing views !
Details
Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Ascent : 647 m ; Estimated Time : 4-6 hours
Barafu Camp
@anasantari
Summit camp ! at 4600 m, this is the highest I have ever slept, or tried to at least !
Details
Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and descent to Millennium Camp
Ascent (Uhuru Peak) : 1214 m ; Descent (Mweka Camp) : -2789 m Estimated Time : 12-15 hours
Uhuru Peak
@anasantari
The hardest physical thing I have ever done in my life ! after dinner at 5pm and sleeping at 7pm, you wake up at midnight to start walking for the summit, which is 7 hours away in the dark and the cold ! To keep walking you need to be mentally strong, because you actually have no reason to be doing this except for the challenge !
Details
Millenium Camp
@anasantari
The best night on this hike ! Everyone is happy it's the end, we're gonna shower tomorrow !! Yeeey !
Details
Day 7 : Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Descent : -1276 m ; Estimated Time : 3-5 hours
Details
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