9 Days Machame Route
The 9-Days Machame Route offers a scenic and gradual ascent up Kilimanjaro, passing through lush forests, alpine deserts, and volcanic landscapes. With ample acclimatization, climbers reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Why Machame?
This is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. With a lovely, gradual ascent through forest, you
emerge to see wide views of the moorland on the Shira Plateau, Kibo, and the Western Breach.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family-run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with an inviting atmosphere.
Accommodation, a variety of meals, a clean swimming pool, and friendly services are provided.
Located just ten minutes’ walking distance from Moshi town centre, Keys Hotel is the most
spectacular place one could wish to stay.
Keys Hotel – 2,700 ft (BB)
Walking distance: 11 km/7 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,180 m / 3,875 ft
After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for Machame Village to
collect lunch boxes and begin the trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame Gate) at 1,800 m /
5,905 ft, you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense rainforest before breaking out
onto a steep ridge. This route is often muddy and slippery at lower elevations. As you continue your ascent, you will notice that the tropical forest gradually gives way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking along a ridge, with the left side overlooking the Semira Stream and the right side offering views toward the Weru Weru River. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up on the edge of the forest zone. This camp is used for dinner and overnight. There is little need to rush on this day, as the focus is gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with the porters, who are usually far ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the Afro-montane forest.
Dinner and Overnight: Machame Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Walking time: 4–6 hours
Altitude gain: 860 m / 2,820 ft
On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a
steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak.
Today's trek takes you up a steep track through giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly
landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Your guide will set the pace for the group,
deciding when to take short breaks and the best spots to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee. Upon arrival at Shira Cave Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch and can rest for a few hours before embarking on a short acclimatization hike. Later, you will settle in for the night at this camp.
Dinner and Overnight: Shira Cave Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 7–8 hours
Altitude gain: 790 m / 2,590 ft (Shira Camp → Lava Tower)
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira
Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). On the way, your
guide will choose good spots for the group to enjoy some bites, biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, and
nuts (cashews or groundnuts). At Lava Tower, you will stop for a hot lunch before beginning the descent towards Barranco Camp, crossing the Bastain Stream along the way. You will pass numerous waterfalls, fed by streams from the mountain that converge here to form the Umbwe River. Barranco Camp is set at almost the same altitude as the previous night. Today is a full-day trek, and you may feel quite tired. Arrival at camp is usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Dinner and Overnight: Barranco Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 310m / 1016 ft
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, ensuring everyone ascends safely. At the top of the Barranco Wall, approximately 4,260 m / 13,976 ft, you will take a break to pause, take photos, drink water, and enjoy some bites before continuing the trek. Once over the Barranco Wall, the trail gradually leads across the alpine desert toward Karanga Valley. On the way, your guide may also choose spots for short breaks with biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, or nuts. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch. After lunch, you can rest or take a short hike for further acclimatization while enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks.
Dinner and Overnight: Karanga Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 665 m / 2,180 ft
The scenic climb to Barafu Camp is mostly along a moraine and lava ridge, with Mawenzi Peak
towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seemingly just out of reach overhead. The alpine desert terrain here is mostly mineral, with few lichens and mosses. On the way, your guide will choose good spots for short breaks to enjoy bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee, allowing everyone to rest and take in the views. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, an early lunch will be served before 1:00 PM. In the afternoon, there is a summit clothing check. Dinner will be served early, around 5:00 PM, as climbers who plan to ascend to the summit will go to bed soon afterward, preparing for the longest and most challenging day ahead.
Dinner and Overnight: Barafu Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 16–18 km / 10–11 miles (depending on descent route)
Walking time: 13–17 hours total
Altitude gain: 1,195 m / 3,921 ft (Barafu → Uhuru Peak).
You will wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, and your climb will begin at approximately
12:00 AM. This is the most challenging portion of the trek, so climbers should carry as little as
possible. Temperatures can range from -4°C to 5°C / 25°F to 41°F.The climb to Stella Point (5,730 m / 18,800 ft) takes about six hours. From there, it is roughly another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on the African continent.The track around the crater rim is rocky and often icy, so it is essential to concentrate on your footing and follow your guide closely.The descent is equally demanding. You will return to Barafu Camp after about three hours, arriving
around 11:30 AM, where you can rest and have refreshments.From Barafu, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) for the night, arriving around 5:00 PM.Today’s trek covers a total of 13–17 hours of walking.
Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Descent: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft
On the final day of the journey, climbers will descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate. The
descent takes you through lush rainforest, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. The trek to the gate usually takes about 4–5 hours, and climbers typically arrive before noon. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate celebrating your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After the celebration, you will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot showers, a relaxing dinner, and overnight rest.
End of Services
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Camping Equipment
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Meals on the Hike
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
Safety & Medical Support
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Environmental Commitment
Safe Storage
Tipping Guidelines for Guides and Porters
We recommend approximately USD 200-250 per climber, which is divided among the
group. Any old clothes, shoes, etc. would also be greatly appreciated.
| Position (Kilimanjaro) | Tip per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Senior Guide | $100 – $130 |
| Assistant Guide | $90 – $120 |
| Cook | $60 – $80 |
| Waiter / Dishwasher | $40 – $50 |
| Camping Crew / Toilet Crew / Head Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Summit Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Porter | $35 – $40 |
Please note that the amounts above are recommended guidelines. If you are unable
to tip this amount, any contribution based on your satisfaction with the service is
appreciated. Additionally, old clothes, shoes, or other items would be most
welcome.
If at any time you feel pressured regarding tips, please report it to the management
upon your return, and it will be addressed accordingly. While tipping is customary,
the recommended amounts are not mandatory, and any additional tip is entirely at
your discretion. We suggest giving tips directly to each member of the team to
ensure your appreciation is received personally.
Costs Not Included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
Book Your Trip
Why Choose Keys Tours
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