Join our Taste of India Trip, December 2025

Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

Duration
9 days
Price
£3,300 pp.
Location
Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning scenery on this moderately difficult climb
  • Get your Kili climb certificate!
  • Watch the sun rise over Mawenzi peak

What's Included

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Expert hiking guides
  • All transfers and park fees

Our specialists say

Machame is a popular route due to its lovely scenery, but it is a challenging trek so more suited to those with high altitude hiking experience.

The Machame route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro due to its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging and thus more suited to those who are more adventurous and have high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south starting from Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Relax for the first day and prepare for the climb

Staying at Arumeru River Lodge

Arrive in the morning at Kilimanjaro Airport where you will be met by a Far & Wild representative and driven to Arumeru Lodge, which has views of Kilimanjaro. Spend the day relaxing before embarking on your trek up Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Arumeru Lodge.

Day 2 Start your ascent at Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After an early breakfast head out to Kilimanjaro National Park and Machame Gate. The trek starts in the dense rainforests of the lower slopes and the trail winds it's way up along a ridge to Machame Camp where you will camp for the night.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3 Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 4 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Day 5 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 6 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 7 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp

Day 8 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 9 Fly back home

Trip Ideas

Type

Location

Price

Speak to a Tanzania expert today.

Start planning your Kilimanjaro climb

Ruth

Ruth

Africa, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Specialist

Call an expert on

01768 603 715

When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
Expand

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
Expand

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
Expand

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

Expand

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

Expand

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
Expand

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
Expand

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.
Expand

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
Expand

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
Expand

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
Expand

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
Expand

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.