Alternative Package for the same route
Other Kilimanjaro Routes
The Machame Route is tent camping.
The Machame Route with an overnight stay at the Crater Camp is one of the more difficult routes on Kilimanjaro and perhaps the most rewarding of all the Kilimanjaro routes. The route involves a climb up the Western Breach while not technical is still the most difficult approach to the summit. The Crater Camp lies just below the summit and is used by only a handful of climbers. Staying at the Crater Camp gives you time to explore the stark volcanic landscape and glaciers that lie inside the dormant crater of Kilimanjaro. If you are up to the challenge it’s probably one of the ultimate experiences on the mountain. We recommend the climbers attempting this have to experience hiking at high elevations.
(9,927 feet/3,026 m), 7 miles/11 km (5 to 7 hours)
We will pick you up at the hotel in Moshi after breakfast and drive about an hour to the Machame gate where the trek starts. From the Machame Park gate, it’s a gentle climb up through the dense rainforest to the Machame Camp.
(12,355 feet/3,766 m), 3 miles/5 km (4 to 6 hours)
The morning starts with a personal introduction to your trekking team. The hike is different today as the jungle gives away to zones of giant heather and moorland. If you have enough time you take a short hike to the Shira Caves after reaching camp.
We trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4642m).
Shortly before the Lava Tower the Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route. If the weather’s good you can ask your guide to lead you to the summit of the Lava Tower (4688m) where the views are excellent. Lunch is normally taken at the foot of the tower. In the afternoon we will take an acclimatization hike from Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier Camp before returning to camp for the night.
In the event that your guide feels spending tonight at 4642m would not help your acclimatization, he may choose for you to descend to Barranco Camp (3965m) overnight. The distance from Lava Tower to Barranco is 3.7km. The descent is tiring and should not be underestimated.
Today we will make the relatively short trek from Lava Tower Camp (or Barranco Camp if used) to Arrow Glacier Campsite (4871m). Though only a short distance is covered (2.5km) the walk is still exhausting. During the afternoon we will take an acclimatization hike up the Western Breach route. You are advised to get all your gear ready for the summit bid before you go to sleep as we will get an early start the following morning.
We will get an early start around 5am to climb the Western Breach to the crater rim at 5725m. The Western Breach is the steepest and most challenging route up the mountain. While it’s not technical it is the steepest approach to the summit of all the routes. When you reach the crater rim you can see the Furtwangler Glacier to your immediate east and from here it’s only 170 vertical meters to the summit and a relatively easy walk. Having admired the views from the summit you will make the relatively short hike down to the crater camp.
This morning we will hike across the crater and back up to the rim of the crater. Views are enjoyed towards the summit and into the centre of the volcanic cone where fumaroles and sulphur emissions can often be seen. Upon again reaching the rim of the crater we will begin the descent to Barafu Camp, this time moving left of our ascent route into the Southeast Valley, descending via its loose scree slopes. At Barafu Camp we have a short refreshment break before continuing to Mweka 3090m where we overnight again.
(Descent to 5,380 feet/725 m), 6 miles/10 km (4 to 5 hours)
From Mweka campsite it is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night and to have a final farewell dinner with your guides.