Machame Route

A popular western Kilimanjaro route available in 6- and 7-day versions, with better acclimatization on the 7-day plan.

Route-specific days Western approach Quieter

Duration Route-specific

Best months Jan-Mar / Jun-Oct

Start side Western gate

Summit night Barafu / Stella Point

Guide note

Route pacing, altitude profile, and guide decisions matter more than speed on summit week.

Altitude profile

The climb in one glance

Profile is illustrative; exact camps and elevation can shift by season, pace, and private group format.

Day by day

Route plan

Londorossi Gate → Forest Camp

2,100m to 2,650m

Permit check, quiet forest start, easy first camp.

Forest Camp → Shira 1

2,650m to 3,610m

Longer hiking day with a gentle rise onto the plateau.

Shira 1 → Shira 2

3,610m to 3,850m

Shorter day for adaptation, views open wide.

Shira 2 → Barranco

3,850m to 3,960m

Lava Tower acclimatization, sleep lower in Barranco.

Barranco → Karanga

3,960m to 4,035m

Barranco Wall, steady traverse, recovery afternoon.

Karanga → Barafu

4,035m to 4,640m

Short approach to base camp, early dinner, rest.

Barafu → Uhuru → Mweka

4,640m to 5,895m to 3,080m

Summit night, sunrise crater rim, long descent.

Mweka → Moshi

3,080m to 1,640m

Forest exit, certificates, shower, real bed.

Buffer / departure

Flexible

Built-in recovery, flight timing, or safari handoff.

Private pricing

Starting prices

Final quotes depend on season, hotel level, transfers, rentals, and private add-ons.

Team size Standard Signature Notes

2 climbers $5,880 $6,760 Most private

4 climbers $4,760 $6,180 Common choice

6 climbers $4,260 $5,850 Efficient crew ratio

8+ climbers Custom Custom Quote required

Included

Inclusions

Private mountain crew, guides, porters, and cook team
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and route permits
Daily health checks and summit-night oxygen support
Airport transfers and pre-climb briefing in Moshi
Meals on mountain, treated water, tents, and dining setup

Not included

Exclusions

International flights, visa, and travel insurance
Personal trekking gear and optional rentals
Guide and porter tips after the expedition
Extra hotel nights before or after the climb
Private safari, Zanzibar, or custom extension add-ons

Build your proposal

Start with the route, then tune the comfort level.

Send the basics and an expedition director will shape the climb around timing, group size, hotel level, and altitude profile.