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 Camp

Activity Day 1

After breakfast, depart for Machame Gate, where your guide secures the necessary permits while you enjoy a fresh coffee or tea. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest blanketing Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes—an enchanting world of towering trees, vibrant plants, and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, arrive at Machame Camp where you can freshen up with warm water before a hearty mountain dinner.

Accommodation Day 1

Machame Camp

Mountain hut

Located along the Machame Route for climbing Africa's tallest mountain, Machame Camp (2835m) is a busy campsite with plenty of space to pitch a tent and there are still a few trees around at this altitude. The views are wonderful, especially where Mt Kilimanjaro rises to the north, and there are plenty of other travelers for you to meet.

Meal Plan Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Activity Day 2

Today’s hike takes you out of the rainforest and onto a rugged ridge lined with heath and moorland. As you ascend, marvel at sweeping views of Mount Meru floating in the distance. Walking 5–6.5 hours with a scenic picnic lunch en route, you reach the open landscapes of Shira Plateau.

Accommodation Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Camping

Along the challenging but rewarding Shira Route that scales Mt Kilimanjaro, Shira Camp 1 is above the tree line, sitting on high-altitude, treeless plains at 3810m above sea level. From the camp you can see both the Kibo volcanic cone (to the north-east) and Mount Meru (west). It's not as busy as some of the camps along other climbing routes, so it can be nice and quiet.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 3

Barranco Camp

Activity Day 3

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before venturing into the Alpine zone. Trek through bizarrely beautiful landscapes of lava ridges and rocky deserts. Reach the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters—a crucial acclimatization point—before descending into the sheltered valley of Barranco Camp. Expect 5–7 hours of walking, taking it slow to let your body adjust to the higher altitudes.

Accommodation Day 3

Barranco Camp

Camping

You can see the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro from Barranco Camp (3983m). It's a stirring backdrop to the campsite, and its high snows are a contrast to the bare, dry landscape that surrounds you here, high above the tree line. Barranco lies along a number of climbing routes, including the popular Machame Route, so there are always lots of people in camp.

Day 4

Barafu Camp

Activity Day 4

Start the day with the scenic Baranco Wall ascent—an exhilarating climb offering jaw-dropping views. Traverse the southern face of Kilimanjaro through barren alpine desert toward Barafu Camp. After 4.5–6 hours of trekking, settle in early to rest and hydrate—you’ll need your strength for summit night!

Accommodation Day 4

Barafu Camp

Mountain hut

When you stay at Barafu Camp, at an altitude of 4681m on Mt Kilimanjaro, you're surrounded by a landscape where nothing grows and the views extend out across the mountain's high and treeless valleys. 'Barafu' means 'ice' in Swahili and it's always cold up here, as well as beautiful. Enjoy talking with the other climbers who've reached this milestone.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 5

Summit day - Mweka Camp

Activity Day 5

Summit Day! Begin in the dark, guided by stars and determination. Push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) just in time for sunrise—a moment that will stay with you forever. After celebrating at the roof of Africa, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

Accommodation Day 5

Mweka Camp

Camping

There's always a real sense of excitement at Mweka Camp, which lies at an altitude of 3060m and along four different descent-only routes down off the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. There's more oxygen here, and everyone enjoys that the most difficult sections of the climb are now behind you. The views in the area are also beautiful.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Relaxed descent

Activity Day 6

On your final day, stroll down through the forest, where lush greenery and lively birdlife welcome you back. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, celebrate your success with a festive champagne brunch hosted by Genes Adventures. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower, rest, and time to relive your incredible journey.

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Tents

Introduction

Highlights

Machame Camp

Activity Day 1

Machame Camp

Shira Camp 1

Activity Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Barranco Camp

Activity Day 3

Barranco Camp

Barafu Camp

Activity Day 4

Barafu Camp

Summit day - 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 Camp

Activity Day 1

Machame Camp

Shira Camp 1

Activity Day 2

Shira Camp 1

Barranco Camp

Activity Day 3

Barranco Camp

Barafu Camp

Activity Day 4

Barafu Camp

Summit day - 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