The Machame Route is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro. It is scenic and varied, with a good 'climb high, sleep low' profile that helps acclimatisation.
Drive from your hotel to Machame Gate (about 1,800 m). Register and hike through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (about 2,850 m). Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Climb out of the forest onto the heather and moorland of the Shira Plateau, arriving at Shira Camp (about 3,850 m) with views of Kibo. Hiking time: 4–6 hours.
An important acclimatisation day. Climb to the Lava Tower (about 4,600 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (about 3,950 m). Hiking time: 6–8 hours.
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall and traverse valleys to Karanga Camp (about 4,000 m). Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
A short climb to Barafu Camp (about 4,650 m). Rest, eat early and prepare for the summit. Hiking time: 3–4 hours.
Start around midnight and climb by headlamp to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp (about 3,100 m). Hiking time: 12–14 hours.
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificate. Transfer to your hotel to celebrate.
