6-Day Budget Kilimanjaro Machame Route

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The journey begins with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. During this drive, you’ll pass through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After leaving the park gate, the trek commences as you venture into the rainforest. You’ll follow a winding trail up a ridge. In the lower sections, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are advisable.
Continue along the trail through the rainforest until you reach the Machame Camp.
Your journey leads you to the Machame Camp, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Start the day with breakfast, then leave the rainforest behind as you follow an ascending path.
Continue along the trail, crossing a little valley and ascending a steep, rocky ridge covered with heather until you reach the end of the ridge.
The path now turns west and leads you into a river gorge, where you can take a break and have dinner.
Conclude the day at the Shira campsite, where you’ll spend the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Begin the day by moving east from the Shira Plateau, ascending along a ridge. You’ll pass by the junction that leads to the Kibo peak.
As you proceed, your direction changes to the southeast, leading you to the Lava Tower, often referred to as the “Shark’s Tooth.”
After the Lava Tower, you’ll reach a second junction that takes you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
Continue your journey by descending to the Barranco Hut, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Here, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Begin the day after breakfast, departing from Barranco. Continue along a steep ridge, including the challenging Barranco Wall, until you reach the Karanga Valley campsite.
From Karanga, follow the trail to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Keep ascending until you arrive at the Barafu Hut.
You’ve now completed the South Circuit, providing unique views of the summit from various angles. Set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
While at the Barafu Hut, take in the magnificent vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo, the two prominent peaks of Kilimanjaro.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Start the summit climb between midnight and 2 am, heading northwest through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
Take a short break at Stella Point (18,600 ft) and witness a magnificent sunrise if weather permits. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa.
Descend directly to Mweka Hut after reaching the summit, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Gaiters and trekking poles are necessary for the loose gravel descent.
Expect mist or rain at Mweka Camp in the upper forest in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain in the evening, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka camp to Mweka gate

Following breakfast, proceed with the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles can be beneficial.
Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts should suffice, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.