7 Days Machame Route Climbing Tour
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey as you embark on the 7-day Machame Route Hiking Tour, a thrilling odyssey through the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro. Your adventure begins on Day 0 as you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and make your way to Moshi or Arusha. From there, each day unfolds a unique chapter, taking you through lush forests, high-altitude plateaus, and challenging terrains, ultimately leading to the triumphant summit of Uhuru Peak.
Tour highlights
- Arrival Day : Kilimanjaro Airport Moshi/Arusha
- Day 1 : Moshi/Arusha Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Day 3 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga camp
- Day 5 : Karangacamp to Barafu Camp
- Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit Point) to Mweka Camp
- Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back to Moshi
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Distance: Approximately 11 km Duration: 6-7 hours Temperature: 20°C to 30°C The journey kicks off with a drive to Machame Gate, the starting point of the trek. Trek through the dense rainforest, witnessing a shift in temperature and vegetation as you reach Machame Camp.
Destination: Machame Gate To Machame Camp
Accommodation: Machame Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: Approximately 5 km Duration: 4-6 hours Temperature: 15°C to 25°C Ascend through the forest and enter the moorland zone, arriving at Shira 2 Camp with its panoramic views of Shira Plateau.
Destination: Machame Camp To Shira Cave
Accommodation: Shira Cave Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Distance: Approximately 10 km Duration: 7 hours Temperature: 10°C to 20°C Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to the Barranco Valley, known for its unique landscape, setting up camp beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
Destination: Shira Cave To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp
Accommodation: Barranco Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga camp
Distance: Approximately 5 km Duration: 4-5 hours Temperature: 5°C to 15°C Conquer the Barranco Wall, navigating rocky sections, and trek to Karanga, a high-altitude desert setting the stage for the summit push.
Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp
Accommodation: Karanga Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 5: Karangacamp to Barafu Camp
Distance: Approximately 4 km Duration: 4-5 hours Temperature: 0°C to 10°C Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base for your final push to the summit, where the landscape transforms into an otherworldly alpine desert.
Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp
Accommodation: Barafu Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit Point) to Mweka Camp
Distance: Approximately 16 km Duration: 11-14 hours Temperature: -10°C to -5°C (summit) The ultimate ascent to Uhuru Peak begins in the darkness, reaching the summit at sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp through alpine meadows and heath.
Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Back to Moshi
Distance: Approximately 10 km Duration: 3-4 hours Temperature: 10°C to 20°C Complete your journey by descending through the lush rainforest, reaching Mweka Gate, and returning to Moshi, celebrating your Kilimanjaro triumph.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Price Includes
- Sleeping bag or bed linen
- Rescue fee
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Price Excludes
- Bath towels
- Park fees
- All flights during the tour
- International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
The Machame Route is challenging but manageable with proper preparation and acclimatization.
Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea leve
Temperatures can drop to as low as -10°C to -5°C during the summit push
Yes, porters are provided. Tipping is customary, and we recommend following ethical tipping guidelines.
Acclimatization is built into the itinerary, but it's crucial to be aware of symptoms and communicate with your guide.
Comfortable tents are provided for the duration of the trek.
Nutritious meals are prepared by our experienced camp chef
Charging facilities may be limited, so it's advisable to bring power banks. 9. What is the best time to undertake the Machame Route?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Customization options are available; however, changes may impact the overall trekking experience
Reviews for 7 Days Machame Route Climbing Tour
By Emma Johnson 
Visited: February 2020
I can't express how incredible this journey was. The diversity of landscapes, the guidance of our team, and the sense of achievement at Uhuru Peak it's beyond words. The responsible tourism practices were evident throughout, from waste management to the treatment of porters. An unforgettable experience that I recommend to an adventure seeker.
By Raj Singh 
Visited: September 2012
The Machame Route with this tour company exceeded my expectations. The guides were knowledgeable, the equipment top-notch, and the commitment to environmental responsibility was
By Isabella Martinez 
Visited: February 2017
The Machame Route was a true test of my endurance, and every step was worth it. The guides were supportive, the campsites strategically chosen, and the attention to detail, from safety measures to meal plans, was impressive. The commitment to responsible tourism was evident, making me appreciate the journey even more. Highly recommended for those seeking both challenge and beauty.
By Maria Rodriguez 
Visited: March 2017
What an adventure! The Machame Route is a rollercoaster of landscapes, and the guides made every step enjoyable. The camps were comfortable, the food exceeded expectations, and the camaraderie among fellow trekkers added to the experience. Responsible tourism practices were followed diligently, and it's clear this company values both the environment and the well-being of its clients.
By Yukio Tanaka 
Visited: December 2019
The Machame Route was a true test of my endurance, and every step was worth it. The guides were supportive, the campsites strategically chosen, and the attention to detail, from safety measures to meal plans, was impressive. The commitment to responsible tourism was evident, making me appreciate the journey even more. Highly recommended for those seeking both challenge and beauty.
By Benjamin Taylor 
Visited: April 2016
The Machame Route with this tour operator was nothing short of phenomenal. The guides were not just knowledgeable about the terrain but also passionate about sharing the cultural and natural aspects of Kilimanjaro. The eco-friendly practices, from waste management to minimal impact camping, were evident throughout. A challenging yet enriching journey that left me with a deep appreciation for this iconic mountain.
By Gabrielle Dupont 
Visited: February 2018
This trek exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The Machame Route is a beautiful challenge, and the guides were instrumental in making it a success. The attention to detail in terms of safety, acclimatization, and responsible tourism practices was impressive. I felt a sense of accomplishment at Uhuru Peak, and the memories of this journey will stay with me forever. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.