The Machame Route in brief
The Machame Route starts at Machame Gate on the southern side of Kilimanjaro and is walked with tents the whole way. The standard program takes 7 days on the mountain. A 6-day version drops the night at Karanga. The route covers about 57 to 62 km, depending on the variant and how it is measured, and ends with the descent to Mweka Gate.
You can only climb with a licensed operator and guide, so the Machame Route is booked as a package. Prices depend on the number of days, the group size and what is included, which is why this page gives examples with their conditions rather than one number.
Our picks: the Machame route
Our take: the 6-day trek includes all fees and crew wages; the other trek is lower in price with park fees extra; the day hike shows you the first forest stage.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Machame route in 6 days with airport transfer
- Park and rescue fees
- Fair crew wages
- Two hotel nights
Park and rescue fees, fair wages for guides and porters, two hotel nights, airport transfers, camping gear and meals on the mountain.
Check availability →
Machame route trek with airport pick-up
- Airport pick-up
- Meals and water
- Guide fee
Transport, meals, drinking water, the guide fee and airport pick-up. Park fees are extra, and the programme counts arrival as day 1.
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Kilimanjaro day hike on the Machame route
- Hotel pick-up in Moshi
- Hiking guide
- Packed lunch and water
Hotel pick-up in Moshi, a hiking guide, a packed lunch and water. The park entry of USD 82.60 per person is paid by card at the gate.
Check availability →Machame Route treks and Kilimanjaro tours
Machame treks of 6 or 7 days and other multi-day climbs, with live prices and availability. Check the number of days, the group size and whether park fees are included.
Machame Route day by day
A typical 7-day program. Heights are rounded, and your operator may vary the stops.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Through the forest belt to Machame Camp at about 2,850 m. The transfer from Moshi to the gate takes around 50 minutes.
Day 2: Shira 2
Out of the forest onto the Shira side, sleeping at about 3,810 m.
Day 3: Lava Tower to Barranco
The route climbs to Lava Tower at about 4,630 m, then descends to sleep at Barranco, about 3,976 m. Sleeping lower than the day's high point is the main idea of the route.
Day 4: Karanga
On to Karanga, about 3,995 m. The 6-day version skips this night.
Day 5: Barafu
Up to the summit camp at about 4,673 m, the base for the summit push.
Day 6: Uhuru Peak and Mweka
Barafu to Uhuru Peak takes about 6 to 8 hours. The descent to Mweka camp, about 3,068 m, adds another 4 to 6 hours. Your own times depend on pace and conditions.
Day 7: Mweka Gate
The last walk out through the forest to Mweka Gate.
Machame Route prices in 2026
Prices come from different kinds of offers. Compare them by what is included, not by the headline figure.
| Offer | Program | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Budget group departure | 7 days, fixed group date | $1,799 |
| Local private trek | 7 days | $1,870 for a group of six up to $2,400 solo |
| Premium departure | 23 to 31 December 2026, whole trip | $4,990 |
The local private offer includes park, camping and rescue fees, 18% VAT, crew, mountain meals, transfers and 2 hotel nights in Moshi. Flights, personal gear and tips are not. The premium dates cover the whole trip, not only the days on the mountain. For most climbers a local private or small-group offer with park fees included is the fairest comparison with the group price.
Park fees on the Machame Route
Park fees in US dollars per person are conservation $70 per day, camping $50 per night and rescue $20 per tour. VAT of 18% may be added on top, so check whether it is included before you compare prices. As an example only, 7 days with 6 camping nights add up to about $955.80 with VAT, excluding crew and other services. See the full cost guide for tips and extras.
Responsible operators tell you the crew size and tipping method before the climb. Where possible, pay each crew member directly, or announce the total and its split in front of the crew and write it down. Porters carry a company load of no more than 20 kg without personal luggage, and they should get three proper meals a day, suitable clothing and shelter.
Is Machame right for you?
The 7-day program gives you a night at Karanga and a lower sleep after Lava Tower, which suits many climbers. Medical guidance for high altitude suggests sleeping no more than about 500 m higher per day above 3,000 m, with an extra night for every 1,000 m gained. Compare the stops above with that rule and ask your operator how it handles the larger steps. Fitness does not protect against altitude illness, so talk to your doctor before you book. Our guide to altitude and fitness explains the warning signs.
If you prefer huts, look at the Marangu Route. If you want a longer, slower approach from the west, read about the Lemosho Route, or compare all Kilimanjaro routes. After the climb, the Serengeti safari guide is a good next step.
Machame Route: frequently asked questions
How many days does the Machame Route take?
The standard program is 7 days on the mountain. A 6-day version skips the night at Karanga, and some operators offer 8 days.
Where do you sleep on the Machame Route?
In tents at Machame Camp, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga and Barafu, put up by your crew. There are no huts on this route.
How long is summit day?
Barafu to Uhuru Peak takes about 6 to 8 hours, and the descent to Mweka another 4 to 6 hours. These are program examples, not a promise for your own pace.
How much does the Machame Route cost?
Examples for 2026 range from $1,799 for a 7-day group departure and $1,870 to $2,400 for a local private trek, to $4,990 for premium dates in December. Always check what is included.
Is the route safe for altitude?
Altitude illness can affect anyone, including very fit people. Longer programs and sleeping lower after high points help. Talk to your doctor, and descend if symptoms get worse.
Can I do the Machame Route without a guide?
No. Climbs are only allowed with a licensed operator and guide.