The 7 Days Machame route in Tanzania tour is the most popular route tour on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located at the southern base of the mountain. Then continues through the rainforest. The 9 day Machame route is recommended over the 8-day route because it provides an additional acclimatization day and shortens some of the daily hikes. The total time on the mountain is 7 days. Request a Quote
It is also a more aggressive route, gaining elevation quickly at the start. However, not as quickly as the Umbwe route. We organize a 9-day group climb and an 8 or 9-day private climb. The Lemosho joins the Machame route near Lava Tower.
Itinerary Summary
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MOSHI.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
We will drive from Moshi/ Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. 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
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
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
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
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
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 portion of 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 the 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 Moshi
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).
After your great trip for hiking the Mount Kilimanjaro through Machame Route you can extend your trip to other Tanzania National parks or gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
What is included in the 7 Days Machame Route in Tanzania?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price. Request a Quote
- All Park fees, Picnic lunches. Rescue fees, Camping fees,
- All transfers as indicated in the itinerary above,
- Hotel overnight after a trek in Arusha.
- Accommodations based on double occupancy – Sleeping in the dome tents.
- Meals as per the above itinerary – 3 Meals a day – Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians.
- Naturalist Trekking Guides and assistance guide.
- All baggage handling – Recommended weight for clients’ backpack to be carried up the mountain is 15kgs. Kindly allow 5 kg for personal daypacks including Cameras.
- We will provide 1guide and 1 assistant guide in this trekking. Our guides are licensed and have received training from Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park Instructors.
- Transfers to the gate before and After Trek to Arusha.
- Services of Camping equipment. These are Tents, Sleeping mattress, camping table, and chairs, etc.
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of 7 Days Machame Route in Tanzania price.
- Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits (as well as gifts like local crafts etc)
- Any local and international flights tickets (airline).
- Tips for staff such as guides, porters and the cook staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
- Meals and expenses en route to Tanzania
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- We advise our clients to bring their own first Aid Kit.