7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Home 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route. This 7-day trek is a favorite among climbers for its stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and a well-paced itinerary that allows ample time for acclimatization. The route features a variety of landscapes—from lush rainforests to the stark alpine desert—and provides climbers with the best opportunity to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, in a safe and rewarding manner.

Discover Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, from rainforests to glaciers and alpine deserts
Benefit from a slower ascent to optimize acclimatization and increase summit success
Enjoy fewer crowds, as this route is quieter compared to the Marangu or Machame alternatives

Itinerary Highlights

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect each day on the 7-day Machame Route to the summit of Kilimanjaro:

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you’ll meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing. The team will check your gear and ensure that you're fully prepared for the trek ahead. Get some rest and have a hearty dinner to fuel your upcoming climb.

Elevation: 915m/3000ft

Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Start your climb at the Machame Gate (1,800m) after registering with park authorities. Begin the trek through dense rainforest, a habitat rich with flora and fauna. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll start to feel the altitude as you make your way to Machame Camp, which sits at 3,000m.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/10000ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
From Machame Camp, you ascend steadily through the moorland zone, gradually reaching the Shira Plateau. The landscape changes dramatically as you approach Shira Camp at 3,850m, offering magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and surrounding area. Spend the night here, resting and acclimatizing.

Elevation: 3050m/10000ft to 3850m/12600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is a challenging day that includes a brief hike to Lava Tower (4,600m), followed by a descent to Barranco Camp (3,900m). The goal is to help you acclimatize while still gaining altitude before descending. The day includes panoramic views and rocky terrain.

Elevation: 3850m/12600ft to 4600m/15092ft (Lava Tower), then down to 3900m/12800ft

Distance: 10km/6.2mi

Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start your day with the famous Barranco Wall—a steep but manageable ascent. The wall offers incredible views of the Barranco Valley and is one of the most memorable sections of the trek. Afterward, traverse the alpine desert landscape to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and further acclimatize.

Elevation: 3900m/12800ft to 4035m/13238ft

Distance: 5km/3.1mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today, you’ll ascend through the dry alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,700m), where you’ll prepare for your summit attempt the following day. Take the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and eat well to ensure you’re fully prepared for the night ascent.

Elevation: 4035m/13238ft to 4673m/15331ft

Distance: 4km/2.5mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp
Your summit attempt begins in the early hours of the morning, with the goal of reaching Uhuru Peak by sunrise. After a long and challenging ascent through the night, celebrate your achievement at the summit. Afterward, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Elevation: 4673m/15331ft to 5895m/19341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3100m/10171ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi ascent, 7km/4.3mi descent

Walking Time: 12-16 hours

Habitat: Arctic and Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, marking the end of your climb. Celebrate your success as you complete the journey back to Moshi.

Elevation: 3100m/10171ft to 1830m/6000ft

Distance: 10km/6.2mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Pricing

Category	Per Person Price (USD)
1 Person (Solo)	$2250
2-4 People	$2200
5+ People	$2120

* Prices include transportation, entry fees, meals, and drinking water. Contact us for further information.

Included / Excluded

Included

Professional guide certified in wilderness first aid and CPR.
Accommodations for 2 nights before and after the trek (Bed and Breakfast).
Airport transfers.
All meals during the trek.
Drinking water and full board meals.
All National Park and hut fees, crew permits, and VAT.
Fair and sustainable wages for mountain crew.
Complimentary oxygen cylinder.
Portable private toilet and porter.
Quality imported equipment.

Excluded

Flights to and from the trek starting point.
Visa fees.
Travel or Medical Insurance is mandatory and recommended; please seek recommendations.
Medications.
Tips and gratuities for the porters and mountain crew (20% industry standard recommended).
Personal expenses for souvenirs or other purchases.
Energy food and beverages, including alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Any extra lodge nights required due to early descent from the mountain (additional charges apply).