7 Days Machame Route
Duration
7 Days
Max People
10
Tour Type
Climbing
Kilimanjaro
The Machame Route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts from the southwest and offers stunning views of valleys, glaciers, and rocky peaks. The trail is steep in some places, but gives plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. It’s a scenic and rewarding path for adventurous trekkers.
- Begins from the southwest with amazing forest and mountain scenery.
- Follows the famous “walk high, sleep low” acclimatisation plan.
- Great views of Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Kibo Peak.
- Crosses five different climate zones during the trek.
- Ideal for fit trekkers who enjoy adventure and nature.
- Ends with a peaceful descent through the Mweka rainforest trail.
Arrival Day: Welcome to Tanzania
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet you and take you to your hotel in Moshi. You will have time to rest and relax before the big adventure. In the evening, your guide will meet you for a full briefing. He will check your gear and help you prepare for the next day.
Accommodation: Client-selected: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury hotel in Moshi
Dinner: Served at the hotel or a local restaurant
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate. It’s about a 45-minute ride through villages and green farmland. At the gate, we register and meet the full mountain team. Then we begin our hike through the thick rainforest. The path is often muddy and can be slippery, so trekking poles help. After 5–6 hours, we reach Machame Camp for the night.
- Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050m
- Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today, we leave the rainforest and climb into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and rockier. You’ll cross a river gorge and pass beautiful valleys with clear views of Kibo Peak. After a 4–5 hour hike, we reach Shira Camp on a wide plateau where we spend the night under a star-filled sky.
- Elevation: 3,050m to 3,850m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This is a big day for acclimatization. We hike higher to Lava Tower, a tall volcanic rock at 4,600m. After lunch here, we descend slowly to Barranco Camp. The landscape is drier and more open. You end the day at nearly the same height you started, but your body gains valuable altitude experience.
- Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 4,000m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today starts with a fun challenge — climbing the Barranco Wall. You may use your hands in some parts, but the guides will help. Once at the top, the views are incredible. After crossing rocky valleys, we arrive at Karanga Camp. The hike is short, giving you more rest for the summit days ahead.
- Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The climb continues through dry, open alpine desert with few plants. We hike steadily uphill to Barafu Camp. From here, you’ll see the summit clearly. After an early dinner, it’s time to rest and sleep. You’ll wake around midnight for the most important part — the summit climb.
- Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m
- Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
At midnight, we begin our summit climb. The trail is steep and rocky. You walk slowly through the cold night, reaching Stella Point before sunrise. After a short rest, we hike to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. After taking pictures, we go back to Barafu for lunch, then descend to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, then down to 3,090m
- Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down
- Time: 5–7 hrs up / 5–6 hrs down
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Departure
After breakfast, we walk the final trail through the rainforest. The descent takes about 3–4 hours. The path is green and full of birds and monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you will get your summit certificate. From there, we drive you back to Moshi for rest or transfer you directly to the airport.
- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast
- Purified drinking water
- Professional guides and cooks
- Four-season sleeping tents (twin-sharing)
- Mess tent with chairs and a table
- Park fees and camping fees
- Sleeping mattress
- All meals during the trek
- Rescue and conservation fees
- Emergency oxygen
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks
- Transfers to/from the mountain
- VAT (18% Tanzanian Government Tax)
- Large, healthy meal portions
- Hotel stay (available as an add-on)
- Tanzania visa
- Drinks like beer and soda
- Online payment surcharge (5%)
- Laundry, calls, or personal items
- Airport transfers (add-on option)
- Tips for the crew
- Flights (international/domestic)
- Meals not shown in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Rental gear (boots, clothes, bags)
Kilimanjaro
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