Machame Route
Trekking distance is 62km
Great for: scenery, high success rate, lower cost than Northern circuit or Lemosho
Cons: can get crowded, tougher hiking days than Marangu
Machame Route 7-day details and itinerary.
Machame is the most popular route, but a bit more difficult than the Marangu one. Famous for its spectacular views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier and good acclimatization schedule.
Accommodation is in tents, there are no huts on this route. But also it can get quite busy in the high-season, but you can also take a different route to descend, avoiding the crowds.
Day 1: Machame Hut Camp
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 2850m
Day 2: Shira Plateau
Hiking: 4-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3810m
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3976m
Day 4: Karanga Camp
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3995m
Day 5: Barafu Camp
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: 4673m
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Camp
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
Summit: 5895m
Overnight Altitude: 3200m
Day 7: Mweka Park Gate (1524m) to Arusha
Hiking: 3-5 hours