Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)
6–7 days · 24.8 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) is known for
The Machame Route is one of the main ascent routes up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, topping out at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). The trail climbs through distinct ecological zones, from montane rainforest to heath and moorland, then alpine desert, before the final push to the crater rim. It is a point-to-point trek known for its scenic approach and good acclimatization profile, typically descending via the Mweka route.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 5,971 ft to 19,206 ft over 24.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 18.9 mi · 77%
- Downhill 3.9 mi · 16%
- Flat 1.7 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) scores 57/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best climbed in the two dry seasons, January to March and June to October, which offer more stable weather for the summit push.
Permits: A guided climb with a Kilimanjaro National Park permit is mandatory; independent trekking is not allowed, and hikers must go with a licensed operator.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) take?
Most backpackers take 6–7 days to hike the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)'s 24.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How high does the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) go?
The Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) tops out near 19,245 ft over its 24.8 miles.
When is the best time to hike the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)?
Best climbed in the two dry seasons, January to March and June to October, which offer more stable weather for the summit push.
Do you need a permit for the Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)?
A guided climb with a Kilimanjaro National Park permit is mandatory; independent trekking is not allowed, and hikers must go with a licensed operator.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.