Machame Route: 6 & 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbs
The Machame Route is a popular camping route on Mount Kilimanjaro, usually completed in six or seven days. It approaches from the south, crosses the Shira Plateau and passes Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall before the summit attempt from Barafu. The seven-day itinerary adds an overnight at Karanga. Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris arranges guided Machame climbs from Moshi.
Classic Machame
A shorter and more demanding version of the scenic southern approach. The route travels from Barranco through Karanga to Barafu in one long day.
Standard Machame
An additional overnight at Karanga breaks up the Barranco-to-Barafu section and provides a more comfortable acclimatisation schedule.
Machame via Kosovo Camp
An extended Machame variation featuring a high-altitude overnight at Kosovo Camp before the summit push. This option provides additional time on the mountain and a premium high-camp experience.
Machame via Crater Camp
A specialist high-altitude variation with an overnight at Crater Camp at approximately 5,790 metres before continuing to Uhuru Peak.
An extended high-altitude variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp at approximately 5,790 metres before continuing the summit experience.
Duration
Summit Elevation
Difficulty
Standard Machame 6 Days
Standard Machame 7 Days
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After registration formalities at Machame Gate, we enter a lush montane rainforest alive with birdsong and colobus monkeys. The trail climbs steadily through dense vegetation before emerging at the forest edge and Machame Camp, perched on a ridge with the first open views of Kibo on clear evenings.
Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Leaving the forest, the trail climbs through heathland and moorland into an open, rocky landscape. After reaching a ridge, we traverse toward the edge of the Shira Plateau and overnight at Shira Cave Camp with sweeping alpine views.
Shira Cave Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We cross the southern face towards the iconic Lava Tower, pausing at this volcanic plug at 4,630m — a critical acclimatisation point. After lunch, the trail descends steeply into the spectacular Barranco Valley. This climb-high, sleep-low pattern is one of the Machame Route's key acclimatisation advantages.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The morning begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical rock face with assistance from the guide team. From the summit of the Wall, dramatic views open across the southern glaciers. The trail then undulates across ridges and valleys before the final ascent to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A relatively short but important day. Joining the Mweka trail junction, we climb steeply through a barren, lunar landscape to Barafu Camp — the last camp before summit. The afternoon is spent resting, eating an early dinner, and carefully preparing clothing, headlamps and gear for the midnight departure.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Around midnight we set off in the cold and dark, zigzagging upward over scree via Stella Point on the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — Africa's rooftop. After photos and celebration, we begin a long descent to Mweka Camp through ever-warmer vegetation zones.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After a well-earned breakfast and the crew farewell, we descend through the montane rainforest to Mweka Gate. Park formalities and summit certificates are completed at the gate, then our vehicle transfers the group back to the hotel in Moshi.
Northern Circuit
Moderate
Exceptional
Very Low
Very High
Lemosho
Medium
High
Rongai
Very Good
Low
Good
Machame
Moderate–Challenging
Excellent
Shira
Challenging
Marangu
Umbwe
Very Challenging
Dramatic
Lower on short itineraries
Overview
Daily summary
Day-by-day itinerary
Prices
FAQs
On this page
What changes between the six and seven-day Machame itineraries?
The seven-day itinerary adds an overnight at Karanga Camp, splitting the Barranco-to-Barafu section into two shorter days. The six-day version walks from Barranco through Karanga to Barafu in one long day. The seven-day schedule is recommended for its more comfortable acclimatisation profile.
Is Karanga an overnight stop?
Yes — on the seven-day itinerary, Karanga Camp is the overnight on Day 4 after the Barranco Wall. On the six-day itinerary, Karanga is passed during the long Barranco-to-Barafu day without an overnight stop.
Where do we sleep after summiting?
After summiting Uhuru Peak, you descend to Mweka Camp for the final night on the mountain. The next morning you walk out to Mweka Gate, complete park formalities and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Does the Barranco Wall require technical climbing?
No. The Barranco Wall is a steep but non-technical rock scramble assisted by the guide team. It requires the use of hands in places, but no climbing equipment is needed. Steady footing and a head for heights are enough for most fit climbers.
Machame FAQs
Route-specific questions
Machame pricing
2026–2027 standard trek rates · USD per person, based on the number of climbers travelling together.
| Variation | 1 person | 2 people | 3–4 people | 5+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Machame 6 Days | $2,050 | $1,790 | $1,660 | $1,610 |
| Standard Machame 7 Days ★ | $2,200 | $1,890 | $1,840 | $1,790 |
An obligatory crew tip of at least US$600 per participant is payable in addition to the trek price. Other exclusions and applicable supplements also apply.