Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Points of Interest
- Moshi Urban
- Private transportation
- AMREF flying doctors service
- Bottled water provided
- Snacks included
- Meals covered: lunch, dinner, and breakfast
- Access to private mobile toilet facilities
- Fair compensation for guide, cook, and porter
If you view Marangu as the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route can be seen as the “Whiskey” route. It ranks second in popularity and is known for being one of the most picturesque routes on the mountain.
Tents are provided for all climbers to sleep in and meals are typically served in a dinner tent or on an outdoor blanket.
The journey lasts 6 days, making acclimatization more manageable, and the success rate quite high. It’s recommended for individuals who are physically robust and have some hiking experience. The descent is made via the Mweka trail, with the last night on the mountain being spent at the Mweka or Millennium camp.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
