7-Day Machame Route
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with our comprehensive 7-day Machame Route itinerary. This trek offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable journey for all adventurers.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
- Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a trek briefing and equipment check.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with our comprehensive 7-day Machame Route itinerary. This trek offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable journey for all adventurers.
Drive: 1 hour from Moshi to Machame Gate.
Complete park formalities, meet your crew of porters, and start the climb.
The first section climbs steadily through magnificent, dense rainforest. The path can be somewhat overgrown and is often wet and muddy.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance Covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. Time Taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Continue through the forest until reaching the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where you can enjoy rewarding views of the mountain and Mt Meru rising above Arusha town.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance Covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. Time Taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.
Spend the day at altitude (up to 4600m) while following the mountaineering code of "walk high, sleep low" for acclimatization.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance Covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. Time Taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start the day by descending into the Great Barranco and then exit steeply up the Great Barranco Wall.
Traverse beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers towards Karanga Valley. For those feeling strong, there's an option for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance Covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. Time Taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, trek to Barafu Camp at 4640m, crossing desolate scree slopes. This steep walk is made more difficult by altitude.
Spend the afternoon resting and hydrating in preparation for the long night and day ahead.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance Covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. Time Taken: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start at around midnight, climbing steeply upwards to the summit glaciers for 4 to 5 hours.
Reach Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit, before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continue to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Distance Covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. Time Taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete park formalities and receive certificates.
Return to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and relaxation.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance Covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. Time Taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
