Machame Route: 6 days / 5 nights in the mountain
Six days on the slopes of the African giant, from the tropical forest to the eternal snows of the Uhuru summit.
Duration
7 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Embark on the conquest of Africa's highest peak: Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) ! Our "Kilimanjaro Ascent" circuit offers you the best conditions for proper acclimatization throughout the 6-day trek. Several routes lead up the gleaming mountain, but the Machame route offers you the most spectacular scenery. At night, pitch your tent in a privileged natural setting.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Transfer to Macharné Gate, : Macharné hut 2900m
Moshi → Machame
On the way to the Machame Gate at 1,500 m altitude, where we meet our English-speaking support team. Upon arrival, we complete some formalities, while the guides and porters prepare the logistics.
We begin our Ascent of Mount Kilimanjarowithin a forest, where the roots of the trees serve as steps. Among lichens and giant ferns, it is not uncommon to encounter monkeys along the way.
Machame → Machame Hut
After several hours of hiking, we finally reach Machame Hut, our camping site for the day. Not far from the site, a small river flows, where we can do a quick wash. Dinner under the stars.
Towards Shira Hut, above the clouds
Machame Hut → Shira Hut
After breakfast, we set off again. We leave the forest behind us to discover new landscapes: groundsel fields, streams and waterfalls. We take the trail heading East to reach the Shira Plateau. The massive mountain looms before us, the surrounding landscape is of great beauty. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we reach the Shira Hut site, located in the heart of a vast rocky plain at high altitude, above the clouds. With the team, we look for a flat spot to pitch our tent.
Ever Higher, Toward Barranco Hut
Shira Hut → Barranco Hut
Gradually the vegetation disappears, and the glacier faces us. We skirt around it, while appreciating the beauty of the landscape. We pass through a jumble of ridges and crevasses. The vegetation gradually returns, characterized by giant lobelias and groundsels. After 5 to 6 hours of hiking, we arrive at the Barranco Hut site at the bottom of an embedded valley. You must descend a steep trail to access the site. Fatigue sets in. It's time to relax and appreciate the sunset over the glacier. The summit is not far away. Today's route acclimatizes us to the altitude to ensure the success of the final ascent.
Facing the Colossus
We pass through the last water point before entering the high altitude desert area. The hike continues through a volcanic landscape marked by a vast field of rocks and gravel. We take a long trail on a ridge to reach the Barafu Hut site.
Arrival at Barafu Hut, after 6 to 7 hours of hiking, the team actively searches for a small spot for the bivouac. Meanwhile, we contemplate the emerging peak. The trail leading to the summit is visible from our location. Dinner under the stars, before retiring early, as the night will be short. Indeed, an early morning wake-up for the final ascent.
Final ascent!
We are beginning today the most challenging stage of the Kilimanjaro climb. We break camp around 1 a.m. While it is still dark, we advance slowly towards the summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We climb a steep slope that can leave you breathless at times. After 5 hours of hiking, you reach Stella Point at 5,800 m altitude. The crater and sky illuminated by the first rays of the sun erase our fatigue. A few final efforts to reach the Uhuru Peak summit. After an hour of walking, we succeed! Arrival at Africa's highest point at 5,895 m altitude. Mission accomplished!
Uhuru Peak → Mweka Hut
After enjoying the views and catching our breath, we descend from the mountain by taking the trail towards Mweka. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours. Well-deserved rest at the camp.
Return to civilization
We end our trek and say goodbye to our wonderful team, before being transferred to the city of Moshi. A room is made available for us to rest (until 6 p.m.).
The team escorts you to the airport for your return flight.
Mweka Hut → Mweka Gate
Mweka Gate → Moshi
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa
- Beverages and personal extras
- Single supplement: 90 $
- Park entrance fees: $865 (to be paid at final balance)
- SUPPLEMENT (if delayed arrival)
- Airport transfer: $65 for 2 to 6 pax, $100 for 7 to 10 pax
- Airport transfer / Moshi: by vehicle: $65 for 2 to 6 pax, $130 for 7 to 10 pax
- Hotel night in Moshi pp in ½ double BB: $45, in single $60
- Dinner at the hotel: $20 pp
- Tips (per client): 2 to 4 pax: $240, 4 to 7 pax: $210, 8 to 10 pax: $170
Included
- Airport, hotel and mountain transfers
- Camping equipment and meals (except sleeping bag)
- 1 night in hotel J1 in BB
- 1 day room J7 (maxi 3 per room)
- 5 nights under canvas
- Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 7
- Tanzanian guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters
- English-speaking guidance
- Presence of a hyperbaric chamber (until the last bivouac) + oxygen bottles (until the summit)
- Mineral water + filtered water
- 1 single room supplement (optional)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for Tanzania for tourist stays. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, via the official Tanzanian government portal (eVisa), before departure — strongly recommended solution,
on arrival at certain entry points (visa on arrival), although this option is subject to conditions and may change.
The tourist visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days. Visa fees are applicable and must be paid when applying.
Authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation reservation.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially mandatory to enter Tanzania, except yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic. In this case, the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) will be required upon entry.
Additionally, several vaccinations and preventive measures are strongly recommended:
antimalarial prophylaxis: Tanzania is an area at risk of malaria, preventive treatment is advised,
vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and tetanus,
vaccination against rabies recommended if you will be active in rural areas or in contact with animals.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before your departure.
Travelling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Travelers should verify the specific requirements with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered by repatriation assistance and medical expenses insurance abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Bank Card Supplement
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. It can be obtained online (e-visa, approximately 50 USD) or on arrival at major airports (50 USD, cash required). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry and have blank pages. Before booking, check the rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of the destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 280 and 500 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 safaris, domestic flights and activities. International flights (800–1,300 euros round trip) are additional. Mobile camps in the Serengeti represent a major cost item.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kilimanjaro
Explorer of Tanzanian savannas, based in Nairobi
A safari doesn't begin when you spot a lion. It begins much earlier, in the morning light, the dust on the trail, and the attention paid to every smallest movement.
— Fred
