Tanzania · Guided climb · Mountain trek
The scenic camping route
The Machame route in six days, camping across the Shira Plateau, past the Lava Tower and up the Barranco Wall to Barafu and the summit.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
Machame is one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic routes. It climbs through rainforest onto the Shira Plateau, then traverses the southern slopes below the glaciers.
The day via the Lava Tower follows the principle of climbing high and sleeping low, which helps acclimatisation. Nights are in tents.
Shira Plateau and the Lava Tower
The Barranco Wall scramble
Summit via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Descent on the Mweka route
The route
Arusha
Machame Gate
Machame Camp
Shira Camp
Lava Tower
Barranco Camp
Barafu Camp
Uhuru Peak
Mweka
Arusha
Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka → Arusha
Day by day
Walking times and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and conditions on the mountain.
Day 1 / Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Drive about 50 minutes to Machame Gate and climb through the rainforest on a winding trail. The lower path can be muddy.
Day 2 / Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Climb along a steep, rocky ridge covered in heather, then turn west into a river gorge and up to Shira Camp.
Day 3 / Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Climb east towards the Lava Tower (4,630 m), then descend to sleep at Barranco Camp, helping your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4 / Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley and join the Mweka trail to Barafu Camp.
Day 5 / Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Start between midnight and 2am, climbing heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point, then on to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 6 / Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect your certificate, then transfer back to Arusha.
Where you stay
Nights are spent in the huts or campsites on the route, with your crew preparing meals.
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m. Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of fitness. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Descending is the most effective response to serious symptoms.
You do not need climbing experience, but you should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours on consecutive days. Speak to a doctor before booking if you have any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition.
Bring a warm down jacket, waterproof layers, broken-in boots, a head torch, gloves, a warm hat and a four-season sleeping bag. Gaiters and trekking poles help on the muddy lower trails.
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Speak to a doctor before booking a high-altitude trek.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No technical climbing experience is needed on this route, but you should be fit and prepared for long days at altitude. Speak to a doctor before booking.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
6 days · Tanzania
Price on request
