Introduction

The Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and adventurous trails, known for its breathtaking views and varied landscapes. You’ll sleep in tents under the stars and benefit from great acclimatization conditions. At Genes Adventures, we offer both 6- and 7-day options. While the trail is the same, the 7-day version includes an extra day at altitude — giving you more time to adapt, enjoy the journey, and increase your chances of a successful summit. We highly recommend the extra day!

Highlights

Mount Kilimanjaro

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Moshi

Day 1

Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Camp

Day 2

Mount Kilimanjaro Shira Camp 1

Day 3

Mount Kilimanjaro Barranco Camp

Day 4

Mount Kilimanjaro Barafu Camp

Day 5

Uhuru Peak Mweka Camp

Day 6

Moshi (No accommodation)

End Point: Moshi

Day 1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and transferred to Machame Gate where your guide completes the registration formalities while you enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee. Soon, your journey begins through the lush rainforest covering the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail is gentle and scenic, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy and excellent opportunities to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys. The steady pace allows your body to start adjusting naturally to the altitude.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 2,980 mts

Activity Day 1

Day hike - Machame Camp

Accommodation Day 1

Machame Camp

Mountain hut

Tents

Meal Plan Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily along scenic ridges dotted with giant heather and low alpine vegetation.

As you gain altitude, the landscape opens dramatically. Behind you, Mount Meru often appears floating above the clouds, while ahead the massive bulk of Kilimanjaro draws ever closer. The air becomes cooler and crisper as you approach the Shira Plateau.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 3,750 mts

Activity Day 2

Day hike - Shira Camp 1

Accommodation Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Camping

Tents

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 3

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

After a hot breakfast prepared by your mountain chef, you continue your ascent across the high alpine desert. The trail gradually climbs toward the dramatic Lava Tower at 4,630 mts, your highest point of the day.

After lunch near the tower, you descend to Barranco Camp. This important “climb high, sleep low” day greatly supports acclimatization and increases your chances of summit success. The landscape transforms into striking red moraine fields and the famous giant groundsels begin to appear.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Altitude: 3,960 mts

Activity Day 3

Day hike - Barranco Camp

Accommodation Day 3

Barranco Camp

Camping

Tents

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (via Karanga)

The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is an enjoyable and non-technical scramble that rewards you with spectacular views.

You continue to Karanga Camp for a hot lunch and short rest before pressing on to Barafu Camp. The terrain becomes more rugged and alpine as you approach base camp for the summit attempt.

After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for your midnight summit push.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Altitude: 4,640 mts

Activity Day 4

Day hike - Barafu Camp

Accommodation Day 4

Barafu Camp

Mountain hut

Tents

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 5

Summit Day: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Around midnight, your summit adventure begins. Under a sky full of stars, you make your steady pole-pole ascent toward Stella Point (5,756 mts) and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895 mts) — the Roof of Africa.

Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the summit before beginning your descent back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest. You then continue down through the alpine desert toward Mweka Camp, where a well-earned rest awaits.

This is the most challenging yet most rewarding day of your journey.

Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Altitude: 3,100 mts

Activity Day 5

Day hike - Mweka Camp

Accommodation Day 5

Mweka Camp

Camping

Tents

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Relaxed descent

Your final morning on the mountain begins with a relaxed descent through the beautiful rainforest. The trail is gentle, with good birdwatching and occasional monkey sightings along the way.

At Mweka Gate, your entire mountain team gathers to celebrate your incredible achievement. After the traditional summit certificates are presented, you transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and well-deserved relaxation.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Activity Day 6

Day hike - back to Moshi/Arusha

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

Introduction

Highlights

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Activity Day 1

Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Activity Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

Activity Day 3

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (via Karanga)

Activity Day 4

Barafu Camp

Summit Day: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Activity Day 5

Mweka Camp

Relaxed descent

Activity Day 6

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

6 Days / 5 Nights

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

Included

Excluded

Ready to Share

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

Introduction

Highlights

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Activity Day 1

Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Activity Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

Activity Day 3

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (via Karanga)

Activity Day 4

Barafu Camp

Summit Day: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Activity Day 5

Mweka Camp

Relaxed descent

Activity Day 6

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

6 Days / 5 Nights

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

Included

Excluded