Machame is one of the more popular routes on Kilimanjaro. Our initial approach is from the south. It is a shorter climb than Lemosho. On this route we start our summit climb at midnight.
Day 01- Moshi Weruweru Lodge
3,000-ft/914-m
After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, we check into our Weruweru hotel in Moshi. We spend one night in here, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, allowing us to recharge our batteries. We meet with our guides for a detailed climb orientation and final gear check.
Day 02- Machame Camp
10,600-ft/2,972-m • 7.2 miles/11 km • 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we drive to the Machame gate, and sign into the national park. After your guide takes care of the paperwork, we start our climb. The track narrows, and then leads us uphill through the tropical rain forest to Machame Camp.
Our camp crew will have camp set up for you when you arrive, so all you have to do is move in and enjoy the natural beauty.
Day 03 – Shira Plateau
12,480-ft/3,804-m • 3.1 miles/5 km • 7-8 hours
We start out after breakfast and leave the last glades of the rain forest behind. On a clear day you can see your first close-up of Kibo Peak – from 20 miles/12 km away. Passing through fields of heather, we see the mountainside gradually opening up. You now begin to feel the effects of the altitude, and we hike slowly.
After 9,000 ft. you pass the first lobelia, protea and giant Senecio, and reach Shira in 7-8 hours.
Day 04 – Barranco
12,950-ft/3,950-m • 6.2 miles/10 km • 7-8 hours
We hike uphill, past the Lava Tower, and slowly trek downhill through the giant Senecios toward Barranco, around Kibo’s spectacular south-facing glaciers. The view of the towering peaks are spectacular.
After descending through the heather and lobelias we arrive at Barranco Camp.