Machame Route and Costs - Climb Summary

With its breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, lush rain forest and river valleys, the Machame Route is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and considered to be the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro.  To offer the best chance of success, we add an additional day to this trek making this seven day climb less exhausting and more enjoyable than the six night climb.

To provide a safe and comfortable climb you will be accompanied by a large Kilimanjaro climbing team, which includes a lead guide, assistant guide, cook and several porters.  We also offer three different levels of comfort and equipment to camp with throughout your climb.

Kilimanjaro - Machame Route - Climb Itinerary

Machame Route - Day 1 - Arusha
You will be picked up and shuttled to the Arusha Hotel to stay the night, that afternoon you will receive a full briefing by your guide and assisted with your final preparations.

Machame Route - Day 2 - Rainforest
You will begin the day with a vehicle ride to the start of Machame Route, there you will set out climbing your way to Machame Hut where you will encounter the beautiful rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.  Usually this is a moderate climb, but uncooperative weather can make this a bit harder.  You will spend your first night camping at about 3,000m above sea level.

Machame Route - Day 3 - Shira
With an early start to the day you cross a stream valley before facing a three to four hour hike up a steep ridge.  After this you move down a river gorge prior to a mild hike to the moorland of Shira Plateau, a unique and mesmerizing area of Kilimanjaro.  You will call it a day when you reach the Shira Hut at about 3,840m.

Machame Route - Day 4 – Barranco Valley
Today you will encounter a beautiful five to six hour hike where you will see the beautiful vegetation that Kilimanjaro offers like senecios, Iobelia and helichrysum as well as spectacular views of the Lava Tower and distant glaciers so long as the weather permits.  While you will climb as high as 4,600m, you will actually camp in the Barranco Valley at about 3,950m, allowing your body a better chance for acclimatization and enjoying your first glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo Peak.

Machame Route - Day 5 - Karanga
You will ascend the Barranco wall before crossing scree and ridges that lead you to the Karanga Valley.  Once here you can relax and take in the amazing views of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach and southern glacier at about 4,100m.

This will be an easy going day as you will reach camp by lunchtime and have some leisure time that will also allow for a quick acclimatization walk.

Machame Route - Day 6- Barafu
After leaving Karranga, you will climb at an easy pace up a moraine ridge enjoying the views of the southern glacier and glacial valleys along the way.  You will end the day slowly climbing the Barafu section, it is important to go easy as this is a relatively steep climb.

You will again reach camp by lunchtime allowing you sufficient time to unwind and prepare for the ensuing summit day.  In the evening your guide will give you your final briefing.

Machame Route - Day 7 - Summit - Mweka
With a summit guide accompanying you, you will make your way to Kilimanjaro’s summit in the early hours of the morning.  With a slow and steady approach, you will make your final ascent across scree.  As you make your way up you will both the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers prior to reaching Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.  Hopefully, the lack of oxygen this far above sea level did not slow you down to much to enjoy the sunrise atop Kilimanjaro’s peak. 

Next you will make your descent down Kilimajaro and camp at Mweka at around 3,100m.

Machame Route - Day 8 - Arusha
The last descent will take you through Kilimanjaro’s heath section and rainforest prior to arriving at the gate of the national park.  At this point you will be shuttled to the Arusha Hotel by vehicle where you can celebrate your amazing journey.  Take a dive in the pool, savor that long awaited hot shower, or grab a couple of drinks at the bar, the decision is yours.

Machame Route - Day 9
If your African safari ends here you will be shuttled to the airport for your departure, or picked up from the hotel to continue your African vacation.

Costs
We can arrange Set Departure Lightweight Machame Route climbs from $2,745 per person (single supplement $110). 

We can arrange scheduled and private departure Luxury Machame Route climbs from $3,650 per person (single supplement $325).

VIP Machame Route climbs can be arranged from $4,725 per person (single supplement $325).

Private departures can be run on any date but require a minimum of two guests. For large groups we may be able to negotiate a discount.

The above costs include accommodation the night before and night after your climb as well as the nights on the mountain and return airport road transfer.

The Next Step
For more information on: pricing, departure dates of group climbs, or to check availability for private climbs, please call or email us.