Marangu Route Overview
The Machame Route is renowned for its beauty and gradual altitude gain, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes while increasing their chances of a successful summit. Available in 6-day, and 7-day, this route provides flexibility for both time-constrained adventurers and those seeking a more relaxed pace with better acclimatization.
Experience Expectation
Embarking on Machame Route to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, climbers can anticipate a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure amidst the grandeur of nature’s masterpiece. With each passing day, the ascent unveils a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to moorlands adorned with vibrant flora. As climbers steadily gain altitude, they are immersed in the ethereal beauty of the Shira Plateau, where the vastness of the sky merges with the sprawling plains below.
This journey challenges both physical and mental stamina, rewarding climbers with unforgettable panoramas, including the imposing Barranco Wall and the lunar-like terrain of the Karanga Valley. The summit day, steeped in anticipation and excitement, culminates with a victorious arrival at Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Africa. Throughout this exhilarating experience, climbers forge bonds with their fellow adventurers and witness the indomitable spirit of the human will.
Safari Features
- Beautiful scenery: Stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
- Varied terrain: Encounter rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.
- Gradual ascent: Allows for better acclimatization and reduces altitude sickness risk.
- High success rate: One of the most popular and successful routes to the summit.
- Challenging but rewarding: Requires physical and mental strength.
- Experienced guides and porters: Knowledgeable and supportive team.
- Camping experience: Overnight stays in tents along the route.
- Barranco Wall: Exciting and memorable climbing section.
- Uhuru Peak: Reach the highest point in Africa.
- Personal achievement: Conquer the challenge and celebrate your accomplishment.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You can take this day to rest and prepare for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.
- From: Londorossi Gate (7,742 ft)
- To: Shira 2 Camp (12,598 ft)
- Distance: 7 kmHiking
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we will drive to the Lemosho Gate located at the western base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once we complete the necessary registration formalities, we begin our ascent through the lush rainforest. The trail is alive with various species of flora and fauna, making it a delightful start to our trek. We continue hiking for several hours until we reach the Shira 2 Camp, where we will spend the night. As we gain altitude, the vegetation transitions into heathland, providing beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- From: Shira 2 Camp (12,598 ft)
- To: Barranco Camp (12,956 ft)
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- From: Barranco Camp (12,956 ft)
- To: Karanga Camp (13,106 ft)
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we face the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging rock scramble that requires careful navigation. As we conquer this obstacle, we are rewarded with stunning vistas of glaciers and the surrounding valleys. We then traverse the southern slopes of Kibo, the highest of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, until we reach the Karanga Camp. Here, we enjoy a well-deserved rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.
Day 5: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- From: Karanga Camp (13,106 ft)
- To: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft)
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The path from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp gradually ascends, taking us closer to our ultimate goal. As we hike, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and lunar-like, providing a surreal atmosphere. We arrive at Barafu Camp, situated on a rocky ridge, in the afternoon. This is the last camp before the summit attempt, and we take the rest of the day to rest and mentally prepare for the challenging climb ahead.
- From: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) and Millennium Camp (12,467 ft)
- Distance: 4 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to reach the summit, 5-6 hours to descend to Millennium Camp
- Habitat: Arctic
We start our ascent in the middle of the night, armed with headlamps and layers of warm clothing. The trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, is physically and mentally demanding but incredibly rewarding. We make our way up the steep slopes, navigating through scree and icy patches, until we reach the summit just before dawn. Standing on Uhuru Peak, we celebrate our achievement and soak in the awe-inspiring sunrise. After capturing memories and taking in the breathtaking views, we descend to the Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
- From: Millennium Camp (12,467 ft)
- To: Mweka Gate (5,400 ft)
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Our final descent takes us through the lush rainforest, a refreshing change from the barren landscapes of the higher altitudes. As we make our way down, we can reflect on our incredible journey and savour the sights and sounds of the vibrant flora and fauna. Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, we receive our summit certificates and bid farewell to our mountain crew. A vehicle will be waiting to transport us to Mweka Village, where we continue the journey back to our hotel in Moshi.
| Number of People (Pax) | Price (in USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | $3,404 |
| 2 Pax | $2,634 |
| 3 Pax | $2,480 |
| 4 Pax | $2,400 |
| 5 Pax | $2,376 |
| 6 Pax + | $2,290 |
Price Includes / Excludes:
What’s Included
- All camping and hut fees
- All Entry fees.
- All camping gears.
- High-Quality 4-inch Sleeping Mattress & Pillow
- Duffle Bags or Sleeping Bags (- 10°C)
- Oxygen cylinder
- Oximeter machine
- Mobile Communications (for emergency only)
- Transport to/from the mountain gates
- Experienced and friendly trek staff (cooks and porters) and their salaries.
- Meals (3 times per day)
- Boiled/Purified drinking water.
- Cook and kitchen utensils.
- 18% VAT
- English-speaking guide (certified as a Wilderness First Responder & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR)
- Special Language Guide (for $20 per guide, per day)
- First Aid & Injury prevention kits
- Daily briefing
- 25% discount on gear rental (the discount applies for online shopping only)
- Personal Summit Certificate stamped and signed by the National Park and your Guide.
What’s Not Included
- International and local flights from back home
- Tips (Gratuity) to guide and porters.
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- RT PCR Test (can be arranged)
- Hotels for before and after trek night (available as an add-on)
- Airport Transfer (50$ one way per car)
- Personal mountain gear (We offer high-quality Gear Rental, see below for more info)
