The Machame Route is the most popular camping route on Kilimanjaro. It is a rugged combination of routes which pass through the rainforest at Machame Village on the southwest side of the mountain, then continues over six (or seven) rises onto the edge of the Shira Plateau. From here it descends down to the beautiful Great Barranco Valley, and circumvents the Kibo massif counter-clockwise through alpine desert until reaching Barafu Camp. The trek to the summit is done overnight to the crater rim on the steep scree slopes facing east-south-east towards the Mweka Route.

The trek winds through some beautiful scenery, which changes quite dramatically every day. It takes six days and is physically challenging for most people. The last two days from Barranco to Barafu followed by the overnight trek to the summit, require mental and physical preparation and toughness. The effect of altitude and the limited amount of time for rest prior to the overnight summit attempt, makes this a climb for experienced trekkers. Often an extra day is taken at Karanga Valley Camp, at 13,000 feet (3,950 mt.), between Barranco and Barafu Camps, to help split the long day in half, and for acclimatization.