Climb Kilimanjaro in 7 Days Machame Route
Embark on an unparalleled adventure with our 7-day Machame Route climb of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Traverse through breathtaking landscapes, from verdant rainforests to snow-covered summits, and challenge yourself to reach the top with the guidance of our seasoned experts.
Our meticulously planned Machame Route itinerary maximizes your chances of success while allowing time for acclimatization. You’ll start at Machame Gate and ascend through diverse ecological zones, including rainforest, heathland, and alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique flora and fauna, such as giant lobelias and various bird species.
The climax of the climb is the summit attempt, where you’ll begin your ascent around midnight and aim to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. Although the final stretch is demanding, the views from the summit are spectacular and the sense of achievement is unparalleled.
Our skilled guides will support you throughout the journey, providing motivation and assistance. We’ll handle all the logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and meals, allowing you to concentrate on the climb.
Upon completing the trek, you’ll receive a summit certificate to mark your achievement. You’ll return home with lasting memories and stories of an extraordinary adventure.
Highlights of the 7-Day Machame Route Climb
- Explore the Rainforest: On Day 2, hike through dense rainforest and witness the distinctive flora and fauna. Look out for colobus monkeys and other wildlife!
- Conquer the Barranco Wall: On Day 4, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep and exhilarating section of the trail offering incredible views.
- Summit Uhuru Peak: The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. The final ascent begins around midnight on Day 7, with the aim to reach the summit by sunrise. The panoramic views from the top are truly awe-inspiring!
- Experienced Guides and Support Staff: Our knowledgeable guides and support team will be with you throughout the climb, offering guidance, support, and ensuring your safety. We are committed to delivering exceptional service.
What to Expect on the Machame Route
The Machame Route is a demanding climb, requiring good physical fitness and experience with high-altitude trekking. The trek involves long days of walking, and you should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
Packing List for the Machame Route
- Warm sleeping bag
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Backpack
Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing
If you’ve chosen to arrange airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from either Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. On this day, we’ll conduct a pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel, review your gear, and provide any necessary rentals.
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp
We’ll drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, passing through the village of Machame on the mountain’s lower slopes. From the park gate, we’ll embark on a scenic hike through the rainforest along a winding trail. Be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are advisable. We’ll continue until we reach Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/10,000ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we’ll leave the rainforest and follow an ascending path across a steep, rocky ridge, crossing a valley. We’ll continue west along a river gorge until we reach Shira Camp.
- Elevation: 3050m/10,000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We’ll head east from the Shira Plateau up a ridge, passing the Kibo peak junction. Our route then shifts southeast to the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4630m/15,250ft). Afterward, we’ll descend to Barranco Camp. Although the day ends at a similar elevation to where it began, this day is crucial for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Following breakfast, we’ll leave Barranco and ascend the steep Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley. We’ll then reach the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We’ll proceed to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides views of the summit from various angles. At Barafu Camp, we’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the final ascent.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we’ll begin our ascent to the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We’ll head northwest through scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, a mentally and physically demanding section. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on the final hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are helpful for the loose gravel on the descent.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft (up) / 3100m/10,150ft (down)
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll continue our descent to Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are beneficial. Wear lighter clothing like shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.
An Afrolioness Adventures vehicle will be ready at Mweka Gate to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3100m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- All transportation to and from the mountain and your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, plus park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals on the mountain
- Well-equipped mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% government tax)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions:
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge (5% on each transaction)
- Solo Trekker: USD 2520 per person
- Group of 2: USD 2381 per person
- Group of 3: USD 2300 per person
- Group of 4: USD 2250 per person
- Group of 5: USD 2206 per person
- Group of 6: USD 2183 per person
- Group of 7: USD 2103 per person
- Group of 8: USD 1971 per person
- Group of 9: USD 1904 per person
- Group of 10 or more: USD 1856 per person