7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Expedition
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- 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Best time to travel: All year round
overview
The Machame Route offers a breathtaking and rewarding journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its superior acclimatization and varied terrain, climbers traverse lush rainforests, open moorlands, dramatic alpine deserts, and icy glacier zones before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the rooftop of Africa.
tour plan
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,490m) – Machame Camp (2,980m)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 18 km
Habitat: Montane RainforestAfter breakfast in Arusha, you will drive to Machame Gate for registration and a brief trek orientation. The hike begins through a dense montane rainforest, characterized by towering trees, lush vegetation, and rich biodiversity, including colobus monkeys.
As you ascend along the forest trail, enjoy the scenic surroundings and gradual elevation gain. Upon arrival at Machame Camp, your crew will set up camp and prepare dinner, allowing you to relax after your first day on the mountain.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,980m) – Shira Camp (3,840m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Moorland
Today, you ascend out of the rainforest and enter the open moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more expansive and rugged. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau and the surrounding peaks, offering a dramatic change in scenery as you gain altitude.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
Today is a key acclimatization day, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You will ascend to the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, allowing your body to better adapt to the increasing altitude.
The dramatic landscape of the alpine desert offers striking views and a unique trekking experience along the way.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) – Barafu Camp (4,600m)
- Hiking time: 2–3 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp (4,600m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Hiking time: 14–16 hours
- Distance: 30 km total
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,980m)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 15 km
Habitat: RainforestDescend through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate, enjoying the final moments of your Kilimanjaro journey. Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificate in recognition of your achievement.
Afterward, transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved celebration and relaxation.
Departure
Return to Arusha for relaxation and leisure, or proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
Price Included
- Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, chef, and porters
- All park fees and rescue fees
- All meals during the climb
- Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
- Drinking water
- Transfers (Arusha – Gate – Arusha)
- Accommodation on the mountain
- Summit certificate
Price Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa
- Personal gear rental
- Tips for mountain crew
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation in Arusha before and after climb