Zurura Africa Safaris

  The clients after breakfast have to be driven to the Machame Gate. Here they will meet their porters and complete registration formalities at the ranger’s office. The Machame Route is one of the popular paths to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its diverse landscapes and breathtaking views. The climb from Machame Gate to Machame Camp is the first leg of the journey and sets the tone for the rest of the trek. Here's a detailed description of this part of the climb:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on the first day is around 11 kilometers (approximately 7 miles), and the estimated time to complete this portion is about 5-7 hours. This can vary based on the pace of the climbers, their fitness level, and how well they acclimatize to the altitude.

 Starting our day off in the Rainforest Zone at Machame Camp (9,350 ft or 2,850m), we will be leaving the Rainforest Zone to head to our next campsite, Shira 2 Camp (12,621 ft or 3,847m). 

Details of the climb from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on this day is approximately 5 kilometers (around 3 miles). The estimated time to complete this portion is typically around 4-6 hours, although this can vary based on the pace of the group, individual fitness levels, and acclimatization needs.

Trail and Terrain:

Leaving Machame Camp, the trail continues its ascent through the moorland zone and rocky paths. The terrain becomes steeper and rockier as you proceed. The path can be uneven and require careful footing. You'll gradually gain elevation as you approach Shira 2 Camp.

Starting at Shira 2 Camp (12,621 ft or 3,847m), we start trekking to our next camp – Barranco Camp (13,066 ft or 3,983 m). 

Details of the climb from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and then to Barranco Camp on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on this day is approximately 10 kilometers (around 6.2 miles). The estimated time to complete this portion is generally around 6-8 hours, but this can vary based on factors such as the group's pace, individual fitness levels, and acclimatization needs.

Trail and Terrain:

Leaving Shira 2 Camp, you'll continue your ascent through the alpine desert and rocky terrain. The path gains elevation steadily as you make your way to Lava Tower, situated at an altitude of about 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). From Lava Tower, you'll descend to Barranco Camp, located at approximately 3,960 meters (13,000 feet). The descent involves navigating the Barranco Wall, a challenging and steep rocky ridge.

We climb from Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983 m) to Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994 m).

The climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on this day is around 5 kilometers (approximately 3 miles). The estimated time to complete this portion is usually about 4-5 hours, though this can vary depending on factors such as the pace of the group, individual fitness levels, and acclimatization needs.

Trail and Terrain:

Leaving Barranco Camp, you'll begin by climbing the Barranco Wall—a steep and rocky ridge. This section requires some scrambling and careful footing. Once you've conquered the Barranco Wall, the trail levels out as you traverse the mountain's southern face. The path gradually ascends to Karanga Camp.

We climb from Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994 m) to Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m).

Details of the climb from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on this day is approximately 4 kilometers (around 2.5 miles). The estimated time to complete this portion is typically about 3-5 hours, though the duration can vary based on factors like the group's pace, individual fitness levels, and acclimatization requirements.

Trail and Terrain:

Leaving Karanga Camp, the trail continues to ascend through the alpine desert landscape. The terrain gradually becomes rockier and steeper as you approach Barafu Camp. The path might involve traversing loose scree and rocky sections, making sure-footedness essential.

Starting at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m) we will begin our summit trek to Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m).

The climb from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and then to Mweka Camp on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak:

Distance and Time: The distance covered from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (the summit) is approximately 4.3 kilometers (around 2.7 miles). The time it takes to reach the summit depends on various factors, including the pace of the group, individual fitness levels, and the impact of altitude. On average, it can take around 6-8 hours to reach the summit.

Trail and Terrain: The final push to Uhuru Peak involves navigating steep and challenging terrain. The path is rocky and involves ascending switchbacks and loose scree. The ascent is mentally and physically demanding, especially due to the high altitude and the effects of decreased oxygen.

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.

The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate on the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route:

Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate:

Distance and Time: The distance covered from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate is approximately 9 kilometers (around 5.6 miles). The descent typically takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the pace of the group and the condition of the trail.

Trail and Terrain: The descent follows a well-maintained trail that winds its way down through the lush rainforest. The path is generally less steep compared to some of the earlier ascents, making it a relatively easy and enjoyable walk. The descent is a great opportunity to reflect on the journey and take in the changing scenery.