7 Days-Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Tour details
7 Days-Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Safari Overview
The Machame Route is a scenic yet demanding path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, ideal for hikers with some trekking experience. While the journey can be completed in six days, a seven-day itinerary improves acclimatization, increasing summit success.
Trekkers begin in a lush rainforest, ascending through diverse landscapes with stunning views of Mt. Meru, Shira Ridge, and Kilimanjaro’s peak. Compared to Marangu Route, Machame features steeper ascents and higher altitudes, making it slightly tougher but more rewarding.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will greet you and escort you to your vehicle for a smooth transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the day relaxing or exploring the city, getting ready for the trek ahead. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the journey that starts the next morning.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1,800m - 2,835m)
After an early breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel at 7:30 AM and driven to Machame Gate, the entry point to Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey takes around two hours, giving you time to enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Upon arrival, your guide will handle registration while porters weigh and organize gear. Take this time to observe playful monkeys, soak in the surroundings, or watch the trekking team finalize preparations for the climb. Once everything is set, your Kilimanjaro adventure officially begins.
The trail winds through a dense rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, ancient ferns, and moss-covered terrain. Listen carefully—you might hear or spot the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy.
After trekking for 5 to 6 hours, you'll reach Machame Camp, sitting just above the tree line at 2,835m. Here, you'll unwind with your first hot mountain dinner before settling in for an overnight stay in tents, resting at the base of Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (2,835m - 3,750m)
After an early breakfast, the trek continues with a steeper ascent as the terrain transitions into moorland and heath. The vast, open landscape unveils breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range, offering a sense of adventure and accomplishment.
This day's trek is shorter than the previous, allowing you to reach Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. Nestled high on the plateau, the camp provides stunning panoramas of the towering peak. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow over Kibo's rugged rock face and glacier, creating a truly unforgettable sight.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3,750m - 4,600m - 3,900m)
Today's trek takes you 800 meters higher, but you'll end the day at a similar altitude to the previous night, helping with acclimatization. The journey starts with a gradual climb over the Shira Plateau, leading towards Lava Tower.
As you ascend, the terrain shifts into an Afro-Alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and rugged landscapes. The route then descends into the Barranco Valley, where towering lobelia and giant senecio plants create a surreal, dramatic setting.
After 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you'll reach Barranco Camp, one of the most breathtaking spots on Kilimanjaro. The towering cliffs and unique surroundings make this an unforgettable resting point before the next leg of the climb.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,900m)
The Barranco Wall stands ahead, ready to be conquered. While some sections require a firm grip with your hands, no technical climbing is needed, and your guide will be there to assist every step of the way.
The route includes several ascents and descents, providing valuable acclimatization before reaching the mountain ridge. From here, breathtaking contrasts emerge—the stark high-altitude desert blending with lush pockets of vegetation.
After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Karanga Camp, often veiled in mist. With the rest of the day free, you'll have time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, perhaps even challenge fellow trekkers to a game of rummy.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3,995m)
As the morning sun illuminates Kibo's peak, you'll start the day with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the climb to Barafu Camp. The journey unfolds across arid, rocky terrain, with the majestic Kibo Summit standing tall on your left throughout the trek.
After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you'll arrive at Barafu Camp, your final resting point before the summit push. Here, you'll have an early dinner and settle into camp, preparing for the ultimate challenge—reaching Uhuru Peak in just a few short hours.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (4,600m - 5,895m - 3,100m)
Just past midnight, your guide will wake you with a hot cup of tea and biscuits, fueling you for the final ascent. Under the moonlight and the glow of your headlamp, you'll begin your climb towards Stella Point, reaching the crater rim after 5 to 7 hours of trekking.
From there, the journey continues for another 1 to 2 hours to reach the ultimate goal—Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. As the sunrise paints the sky, golden hues reflect off the snowy summit, and the glaciers shimmer like diamonds, creating an unforgettable moment.
After celebrating and capturing the breathtaking scenery, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp, where your team will welcome you with refreshments and snacks. Following a well-earned rest, the trek continues down to Mweka Camp, where you'll spend your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
After breakfast, your mountain team bids farewell before you begin the final descent. Trekking through the rainforest, you may catch glimpses of colobus monkeys before reaching Mweka Gate (2,300m).
From there, you'll be driven back to Arusha, where a refreshing shower and relaxing poolside await. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and celebrate conquering Kilimanjaro.
1. Mount Kilimanjaro (within Kilimanjaro National Park)
Known for:
- Highest mountain in Africa (5,896 meters / 19,341 feet)
- One of the Seven Summits of the world
- Distinct ecological zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit
- Trekking routes like Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and more
- Accessible climb without technical mountaineering
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Stunning sunrise views from Uhuru Peak
- Rich biodiversity and endemic species in lower zones
TOUR FEATURES
- Classic drive safari
- Can start any day
- Accommodation level: Comfort
- Tour activity level: Light
- Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Optional extension Zanzibar available
INCLUDED
- Pickup Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the lodge
- Transfer from the Lodge to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Accommodations as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep with a pop-up roof and big windows, specially designed for high-end safari game drives
- English-speaking private guide during the whole safari
- Park Fees for all national parks
- Drinking water in our safari jeeps
EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Tourist Visa
- Tourism Development Levy + Village fee
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, drinks)
- Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated
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Contact us
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- Arusha-Tanzania