Why choose the 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route over the 8 day version?

The 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route adds a night at Karanga Camp, which splits the hard day to Barafu and gives you more time to acclimatise. That usually means a better chance of reaching Uhuru Peak and a more comfortable summit night.

How hard is the Machame route?

Machame is a demanding but non-technical trek. Most days are 4 to 7 hours, and summit night lasts 10 to 14 hours. The Barranco Wall involves easy hands-on scrambling. Good fitness and a slow pace are the keys to success.

When is the best time to climb the Machame route?

The best months are January to mid-March and June to October, when the mountain is driest. April, May and November are the wettest months and the trails are muddier.

Where do we sleep on the Machame route?

You sleep in tents at Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Millennium or Mweka camps, and in a hotel in Moshi before and after the climb.

Can a group climb the Machame route together?

Yes. The Machame route is popular with clubs, charities and groups of friends. We add guides so the group can split by pace on summit night, and plan rooms and transfers for everyone. Contact us with your numbers and dates.

9 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route With a Night at Karanga

This 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro, with an extra night at Karanga Camp that gives you a better chance of the summit.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

This 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) on Kilimanjaro’s best-loved scenic route, with hotel nights in Moshi before and after. Compared with our 8 day Machame route, the extra night at Karanga Camp breaks the long day to Barafu in two and gives your body more time to adjust.

It suits fit first-time climbers and anyone who wants the best balance of scenery, cost and summit success.

Why choose the 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route?

Machame crosses the rainforest, the Shira Plateau and the dramatic southern circuit below Kibo’s glaciers. Its ‘climb high, sleep low’ days, such as lunch at Lava Tower before sleeping at Barranco, help acclimatisation. The seventh day at Karanga is what makes it our recommended Machame option.

What to expect on the 9 day Kilimanjaro Machame route

Day 2 climbs through rainforest to Machame Camp, and day 3 crosses to Shira Camp. Day 4 goes up to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) and down to Barranco. Day 5 tackles the Barranco Wall to Karanga, day 6 is a short climb to Barafu, and summit night starts around midnight for sunrise on Uhuru Peak. You descend to Millennium or Mweka Camp and walk out to Mweka Gate on day 8.

When is the best time to climb?

January to mid-March and June to October are the driest months. Read our month-by-month guide to climbing Kilimanjaro and compare all routes in our Kilimanjaro routes guide.

For a shorter climb, see our 8 day Kilimanjaro Machame route.

How do I book this climb?

Prices depend on your dates, group size and whether you want huts, camping or extra nights, so we quote every climb personally. WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a tailor-made quote. If you are travelling with friends, a club or colleagues, see our page on climbing as a group.

Highlights

Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa
Extra acclimatisation night at Karanga Camp
Lunch at Lava Tower (about 4,630 m)
The Barranco Wall scramble
Hotel nights in Moshi before and after

Day 1 :

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your guide gives a briefing and checks your gear.

Day 2 :

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Drive to Machame Gate (about 1,800 m) and walk 5 to 7 hours through rainforest to Machame Camp at about 2,835 m.

Day 3 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Climb out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau, 4 to 6 hours, to Shira Camp at about 3,800 m. An optional short walk higher helps acclimatisation.

Day 4 :

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Climb to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) for lunch, then descend through giant senecios to Barranco Camp at about 3,960 m.

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Scramble up the Barranco Wall and cross ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp (about 4,035 m), 4 to 5 hours, with an afternoon acclimatisation walk.

Day 6 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A short climb of 4 to 5 hours to Barafu Camp (about 4,640 m). Early dinner and rest before the summit.

Day 7 :

Summit night: Uhuru Peak, then descent

Leave around midnight, reach Stella Point at dawn and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) soon after. Descend to Barafu for a rest and continue to Millennium or Mweka Camp.

Day 8 :

Descent to Mweka Gate and Moshi

Walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi.

Day 9 :

Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or continue on safari.