Machame Route
The most beautiful route. Forest, then the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the western breach.
$1,800per person
Itinerary
Mountain tents — four-season, double occupancy.
These are examples. We change the days to fit your pace.
Day 01
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Distance
- 11 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Altitude
- +1,490 m
Leave the office around 8:30 with a lunch box. From Machame Gate you walk two to three hours through fig and rubber trees and tropical vegetation. Lunch halfway.
The forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heather on a ridge between the Semira and Weru streams. Arrive at camp between 5 and 6. Walk slowly — don’t try to keep up with the porters.
TonightMachame Camp
Day 02
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Distance
- 9 km
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Altitude
- +860 m
Wake around 6 with tea or coffee and, if the weather holds, Uhuru Peak. A steep track through savannah, volcanic rock and bearded heather, then giant groundsels.
Lunch just below the Shira Plateau. Most people walk slowly and rest every half hour. Time at camp to rest, or a short acclimatization walk before dinner.
TonightShira Camp
Day 03
Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco
- Distance
- 15 km
- Time
- 7–9 hrs
- Altitude
- Via 4,630 m
The Shira Plateau opens toward Meru and the Shira Needles. Up to Lava Tower for lunch, then down the Great Barranco — waterfalls feeding the Umbwe River. Camp is almost the same altitude as the night before. A full day.
TonightBarranco Camp
Day 04
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Time
- 4–5 hrs
- Altitude
- +55 m
The Barranco Wall, then up and down most of the way to Karanga. Not a technical climb. Arrive around lunch. Afternoon in the Karanga Valley among senecios and lobelia — or rest for what comes next.
TonightKaranga Camp
Day 05
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance
- 3.5 km
- Time
- 4–5 hrs
- Altitude
- +510 m
A moraine and lava ridge. Mawenzi to the right, Kibo overhead. Alpine desert — lichen and moss. Lunch at camp, summit clothing check, then an early night. Tomorrow is the long day.
TonightBarafu Camp
Day 06
Summit — Stella Point to Uhuru Peak
- Time
- 13–17 hrs
- Altitude
- 5,895 m
Midnight start after a light breakfast. Carry as little as you can. About six hours to Stella Point on the crater rim, then another hour to Uhuru — 19,340 feet, the highest point in Africa.
The rim can be icy. Follow the guide closely. Down to Barafu around 11:30, rest, then on to Mweka Camp. Thirteen to seventeen hours in all.
TonightMweka Camp
Day 07
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Distance
- 15 km
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
- Altitude
- −1,120 m
Down to the gate before noon. Certificates for the summit, then back to Janibichi for a hot shower.
Other routes
Marangu Route
The traditional route. Huts, good views of Mawenzi, and the one you can join as a solo traveller.
Starts from
$1,400
Per person
Lemosho Route
A quieter start on the west side. More time on the Shira Plateau, and a better chance at the summit.
Starts from
$1,880
Per person
Rongai Route
The quiet northern side. A gentle gradient, short days, and you finish through Marangu.
Starts from
$1,900
Per person