There are many different routes up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Our favorite route up the mountain is on the Lemosho Route, over 8 days, using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. The Lemosho route offers our clients the best chance of successfully reaching the roof of Africa. If you are looking to cut a day off your climb, then why not consider the Machame Route? Ian Taylor Trekking have a 85% summit success rate climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and 95% success rates when on the Lemosho Route. Check out all our upcoming trips.
Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide
Ian Taylor has climbed Kilimanjaro over 40+ times. Our office staff combined have over 50 Kilimanjaro summits so contact us, we have the answers you are looking for. In addition to this our head guide was voted Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide in 2019 and our dream team are ready to help you achieve your goal of climbing Kilimanjaro.
We only run high quality, high end trips to make sure you have the best experience possible while trekking Kilimanjaro. Our dedicated team has the information you need to make your trip up Kilimanjaro a success. GET IN TOUCH today for more information on all of our climbs.
Give Yourself the Best Chance at Success
The summit success rate on Kilimanjaro ranges between 55% – 60%. Therefore, that means that almost half of people who attempt the summit do not make it. We only offer routes that we know people are going to be successful on, and that offer you the best acclimatization for safety.
After years of climbing the mountain we feel the Lemosho Route has the best rate of success and the Machame Route is right behind it. Spending 8 days on the mountain is the best way to do it. However, if you only have 7 days to complete the journey, then we suggest choosing the Machame Route.
Daily Distances and Elevation Gains on the Machame Route
Below you will discover detailed information about the daily distances, elevation gains, and hiking hours on the popular Machame Route of Mount Kilimanjaro. This comprehensive guide outlines what to expect each day, helping you prepare for a successful trek.
Whether you’re curious about the distance covered, the altitude climbed, or the time spent hiking, this overview provides essential insights for trekkers. Read on for a breakdown of each day’s journey on the Machame Route.
Day 1). Machame Camp
Day 2). Shira Camp
Day 3). Barranco Camp
Day 4). Karanga Camp
After a good nights sleep, you will be up at 6am for 7am breakfast. We have amazing challenge for you today! We head up the Barranco Wall, check out our You Tube video on the wall.
This can take a couple of hours to reach the top at 4,200m/ 13,780 feet. Upon reaching the top, we take a break right under the summit in the distance. Then, you will continue on easy trails up and down as we cross Kilimanjaro to the Karanga Valley.
Then with the camp in view across the Valley, we drop steeply down 140m/ 460 feet, before coming back up 120m/ 400 feet to the Karanga Camp at 4,050m/ 13,287 feet. This will take approximately 4 hours today and the total distance is 5.6km/ 3.5 miles.
Day 5). Kosovo Camp
Today starts the business end of the trek, as you head up to your high camp. You will leave at 8am and take our time, walking very slowly and saving all our energy for the final climb.
You will take lots of breaks on the section and continue to cross around Kilimanjaro before a final steep section to Barafu Camp at 4,650m/ 15,256 feet. This is where most people stay before their ascent of Kilimanjaro. We move through Barafu Camp and hike an additional hour further to Kosovo Camp at 4,900m/ 16,076 feet.
The walk to Barafu Camp is approximately 3 hours and then another hour to Kosovo Camp, so a total of 4 hours today. The goal will be to be there for a big lunch/ dinner around 2pm. We encourage you to rest after the meal as you will get up at 11:30pm to prepare for your summit bid. Today you will walk 3.5km/ 2.2 miles. The elevation gain is 850m/ 2,789 feet.
Day 6). Summit to Mweka Camp
You will wake up at midnight for a 1am departure from Kosovo Camp. However, this will depend on the conditions, size of the group and a range of other factors. You should start drinking water (a liter if possible), start eating small amount of food in your tent and prepare to leave. Remember, tonight is not easy, so when you are mentally struggling you need to remember to breath deeply.
It normally takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes from Kosovo Camp to the summit. The last 2 hours to the Carter Rim will test you, so stay focused and believe you can do it as you are almost there. From Stella Point at the carter rim it is one hour to the summit on easier terrain. Then, you have reached the Roof of Africa!
From the summit back to Kosovo Camp can take 2 hours 30 minutes. You will have a chance to rest for a few hours and pack up your duffel bag before having brunch and moving down lower. You will head down to Mweka Camp at 3,100m/ 10,170 feet. This will take 4 hours down hill. Finally, the long day will come to an end! The full day is between 12 – 14 hours of trekking and covers 18.1km/ 11.2 miles. The ascent to the summit is 995m/ 3,264 feet and the descent is 2,795m/ 9,170 feet. A long day!!
Day 7). Mweka Gate
After an amazing nights sleep in Mweka Camp, we will have a quality breakfast before saying goodbye to our world class Kilimanjaro crew. However, our head guide, who is Kilimanjaro’s Number one Guide, and assistant guides will stay with you all the way until the end.
From Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate takes approximately 4 hours, walking back through the rain forest. Without a doubt, you will want to use your trekking poles to save your knees for the way down from the summit of Kilimanjaro to the gate.
Once you get to the exit gate, you will sign out from the National Park and jump in the bus. The team will drive a few minutes down the road to have lunch. After lunch, you will get back in the bus and then drive back to our hotel in Arusha. Today is 9.3km/ 5.8 miles. The descent today is 1,393m/ 4,570 feet.
Speak to the Experts
Hopefully this helps you understand the daily distances and elevation gains each day on the Machame Route. Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame route is extremely challenging day after day. So you need to come prepared. Read more about our training advice and reach out to our team and learn about our service, food, tents and team.
Kilimanjaro is not an easy mountain, even over 7 days on the Machame Route up and down Kilimanjaro. GET IN TOUCH today for more information on our Kilimanjaro tours.
We want to make sure that our clients have all the right information to help them prepare understand the best route, how to prepare so you have come ready for the journey ahead. If you want to have an safe and successful experience on the mountain, then get in touch with us today!