7 Days Machame Route

Itinerary Overview

Itinerary

Price Include & Exclude

Itinerary Overview

Itinerary

Price Include & Exclude

Itinerary Overview

Below is the day by day itinerary for the 7 day Machame climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
The 7 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators

Itinerary Detail

DAY 1

•Machame Gate to Machame Camp
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

DAY 2

•Machame Camp to Shira Camp
•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

DAY 3

•Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 4

•Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5

•Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 6

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to
10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portionof the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7

•Mweka Camp to arusha
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in arusha ,

Trekking  Price Include

  1. Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
  2. Pre & post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi/Arusha
  3. Park, camping & rescue fees
  4. Mountain tent & mattress
  5. Professional English speaking guide(s); porters & cook
  6. 8 breakfasts; 7 lunches; 6 dinners
  7. Water; tea and coffee with meals

Treking Price Exclude

  1. Flights
  2. Lunch & dinner in Moshi
  3. Travel insurance
  4. Visa and passport fees
  5. Increases in park fees where applicable
  6. Personal equipment
  7. Sleeping bag
  8. Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
  9. Soda and Alcoholic beverages

Itinerary Name: 7 Days Machame Route


Fill all fields below to send us required information for your booking request. Custom request are allowed via Additional Info/Instructions field

Proposed itinerary duration if different from duration in the itinerary

Related Itinerary

10-Day Group Safari in Tanzania

10-Day Group Safari in Tanzania

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The 10-Day Safari in Tanzania is a diverse and immersive journey that combines wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes...

Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari

Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari is a perfect short adventure for travelers who want to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife...

6-Day Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania

6-Day Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The 6-Day Romantic Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania is a luxurious and intimate adventure designed for couples seeking wildlife, breathtaking landscapes,...

5-Day Tanzania Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & Exclude Overview The 5-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience is a perfect adventure for travelers who want to combine...

Related Itinerary

10-Day Group Safari in Tanzania

10-Day Group Safari in Tanzania

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The 10-Day Safari in Tanzania is a diverse and immersive journey that combines wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes...

Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari

Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip Safari is a perfect short adventure for travelers who want to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife...

6-Day Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania

6-Day Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeOverview The 6-Day Romantic Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania is a luxurious and intimate adventure designed for couples seeking wildlife, breathtaking landscapes,...

5-Day Tanzania Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & Exclude Overview The 5-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience is a perfect adventure for travelers who want to combine...

3-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari

3-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & Exclude Overview The 3-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari is an ideal short adventure for travelers who want to explore northern Tanzania’s top wildlife...

Short Tanzania Safari: Kilimanjaro & Ngorongoro

Short Tanzania Safari: Kilimanjaro & Ngorongoro

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & Exclude Overview The Short Tanzania Safari: Kilimanjaro & Ngorongoro is a perfect 2-day adventure designed for travelers who want to experience both the beauty of...

Mount Kilimanjaro Day Trip

Mount Kilimanjaro Day Trip

Itinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & ExcludeItinerary OverviewItineraryPrice Include & Exclude Overview The Mount Kilimanjaro Day Trip via the Lemosho Route to Cathedral Point offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro, the...

Are you interested in a custom-made itinerary?

We also design custom self-drive tours for our clients tailored to their budget and preferences.

Are you interested in a custom-made itinerary?

We also design custom self-drive tours for our clients based tailored to their budget and preferences.