Accommodation on Machame Route of Mount Kilimanjaro
On the Machame Route, accommodation is primarily in camping style. You will sleep in dome tents, which are set up by your crew at each campsite along the route. The tents are spacious, with enough room for two people, and are equipped with sleeping mats and a comfortable sleeping bag. The campsites are located in scenic spots at various altitudes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The camps include:
- Machame Camp – Located in the rainforest zone.
- Shira Camp – Situated on the Shira Plateau with views of the mountain.
- Baranco Camp – Set at the base of the Baranco Wall in the alpine zone.
- Karanga Camp – In the alpine desert zone, a good spot for acclimatization.
- Barafu Camp – The final camp before the summit push, in the Arctic zone.
- Summit (Uhuru Peak) – The peak itself doesn’t have accommodations, but this is where you’ll reach the highest point of the climb.
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Campsites on Machame Route
On routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, climbers spend their nights camping at various points along the trail. These campsites provide shelter, meals, and an opportunity to rest before continuing the climb. Unlike the Marangu Route, where huts are available, camping requires a bit more preparation and ruggedness. However, it allows trekkers to fully experience the wilderness of Kilimanjaro.
1. Machame Route Campsites
The Machame Route is one of the most popular on Mount Kilimanjaro and involves camping at several stunning campsites. The route is known for its beautiful landscapes and variety of ecosystems.
Machame Camp (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet)
The first campsite on the Machame Route, Machame Camp, is set at the edge of the rainforests. After a full day of trekking, climbers rest here to acclimatize. The campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by trees and wildlife.
Facilities:
- Basic camping setup with tents
- Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
- Dining area with a communal tent for meals
- Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
- Beautiful forest surroundings
Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters / 11,482 feet)
Shira Camp 1 is the second campsite, located in the open moorland area with incredible views of the landscape and Kibo Peak. This campsite is popular for acclimatization, as it allows climbers to adjust to higher altitudes before moving further up the mountain.
Facilities:
- Basic camping with tents
- Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
- Dining area for meals
- Stunning views of Kibo and the Shira Plateau
- Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
Baranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)
The Baranco Camp sits at the base of the famous Baranco Wall, a dramatic cliff face that climbers must scale the following day. This campsite offers amazing views of both the wall and surrounding terrain.
Facilities:
- Basic camping with tents
- Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
- Dining area for meals
- Stunning panoramic views of the valley
- Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
Karanga Camp (4,035 meters / 13,240 feet)
Karanga Camp is the penultimate campsite before the final summit attempt. It’s a great place to rest and acclimatize, with incredible views of the mountain.
Facilities:
- Basic camping setup with tents
- Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
- Dining area for meals
- Views of the glaciers on the summit
- Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet)
The final campsite before the summit, Barafu Camp, is where climbers rest before attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Located at a high altitude, the camp is colder and more exposed. It’s a base camp for climbers preparing for the summit attempt at midnight.
Facilities:
- Basic camping setup with tents
- Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
- Dining area for meals
- Cold and harsh weather conditions
- Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
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