7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary
The Machame Route is a popular trekking route up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. This route is known for its scenic beauty and challenging hiking terrain. The Machame Route takes approximately 6-7 days to complete, with the summit day being the most physically demanding.
The trek starts in the lush, tropical forest of the Machame Gate and gradually ascends through a number of different ecosystems, including moorlands, alpine deserts, and arctic zones. Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to see an array of wildlife, including monkeys, hyrax, and exotic bird species.
The Machame Route is considered one of the more strenuous routes up Kilimanjaro, but it is also one of the most rewarding. The summit of Kilimanjaro provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and is a truly unforgettable experience. Before attempting the Machame Route, it is important to be in good physical shape and properly acclimatized to the high altitude. A guide and proper gear are also essential for a successful and safe ascent.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi and acclimatization
On the first day of your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll arrive in Moshi, Tanzania. After checking in to your hotel or lodge, you’ll have some time to rest and acclimate to the new environment. You’ll also have a pre-climb meeting with your guide to go over the details of the upcoming journey, including the itinerary, gear, and altitude sickness.
During acclimatization, it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities. You can spend the day exploring the town of Moshi, taking short walks, or simply relaxing and preparing mentally and physically for the climb ahead.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (9km, 5-6 hours)
On Day 2, you’ll start your climb by making your way to the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete the formalities of registering for the climb and entering the national park. You’ll then start your trek, following the Machame Route up through the dense tropical forest to reach Machame Camp.
The hike from Machame Gate to Machame Camp is approximately 9 km and takes 5-6 hours. You’ll be walking at a moderate pace, with frequent breaks to rest and hydrate, and to acclimate to the altitude. This section of the trail is known for its lush, green scenery and high levels of rainfall, so be prepared for a damp and humid hike.
Once you reach Machame Camp, you’ll set up your tent and enjoy a hot meal, before retiring for the night. This is the first night of several spent camping on the mountain, so be prepared for basic camping conditions and a cold, high-altitude environment.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (8km, 5-6 hours)
On Day 3, you’ll continue your climb up Mount Kilimanjaro from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. This is an 8 km hike that will take 5-6 hours.
You’ll leave the forest behind and begin ascending through the moorlands, where you’ll be surrounded by heather and other high-altitude vegetation. As you hike, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the peaks of Kilimanjaro in the distance.
It’s important to keep a steady pace, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated throughout the day. You’ll also need to be mindful of the effects of altitude, which can include symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you start to feel unwell, it’s important to inform your guide and slow down or take a break if necessary.
Once you reach Shira Camp, you’ll set up your tent and enjoy a hot meal, before retiring for the night. The camp is located in a beautiful and peaceful spot, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (12km, 7-8 hours)
On Day 4, you’ll hike from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp. This section of the trail is approximately 12 km and takes 7-8 hours to complete.
The hike from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp is one of the most challenging sections of the Machame Route, with steep ascents and descents, as well as a traverse across the Lent Hills. Despite the challenges, this section of the trail is also one of the most scenic, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the peaks of Kilimanjaro.
During the hike, it’s important to keep a steady pace, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated. You’ll also need to be mindful of the effects of altitude, which can include symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you start to feel unwell, it’s important to inform your guide and slow down or take a break if necessary.
Once you reach Barranco Camp, you’ll set up your tent and enjoy a hot meal, before retiring for the night. This camp is located in a beautiful, high-altitude valley, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4km, 2-3 hours)
On Day 5, you’ll continue your climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. This section of the trail is approximately 4 km long and takes 2-3 hours to complete.
This section of the trail is less demanding than previous days, with a relatively gradual ascent through a valley surrounded by towering peaks. During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery, including panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
It’s important to stay hydrated and be mindful of the effects of altitude, which can include symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you start to feel unwell, it’s important to inform your guide and slow down or take a break if necessary.
Once you reach Karanga Camp, you’ll set up your tent and enjoy a hot meal, before retiring for the night. This camp is located in a beautiful, high-altitude valley, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4km, 2-3 hours)
On Day 6, you’ll hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp. This section of the trail is approximately 4 km long and takes 2-3 hours to complete.
This is the final section of the trail before the summit push, and the hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is relatively straightforward, with a gradual ascent through a rocky landscape. During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery, including panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
It’s important to stay hydrated and be mindful of the effects of altitude, which can include symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. If you start to feel unwell, it’s important to inform your guide and slow down or take a break if necessary.
Once you reach Barafu Camp, you’ll set up your tent and enjoy a hot meal, before getting some rest in preparation for the summit push the following day. This camp is located at a high altitude, close to the rim of the crater, and is the last stop before the final ascent to the summit.
Day 7: Summit day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and descent to Mweka
Day 7 is the summit day, where you’ll make the final push to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.
The ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is one of the most challenging parts of the Machame Route, with a steep and strenuous hike up the steep slope of the crater rim. The hike takes approximately 6-8 hours, depending on your pace and the conditions.
You’ll start the ascent in the early hours of the morning, while it’s still dark, in order to reach the summit in time for sunrise. The hike to the summit is a physically and mentally demanding experience, but the breathtaking views and the sense of achievement that come with reaching the roof of Africa make it all worth it.
After reaching the summit, you’ll take a few moments to take in the views and take photos, before starting the descent. The descent from the summit is a long and strenuous hike, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on your experience and savor the memories of your climb.
You’ll hike down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the final night of your trip. The camp is located in the forest, surrounded by towering trees and abundant wildlife, offering a stark contrast to the high-altitude environment of the previous days. You’ll enjoy a hot meal and celebrate your achievement before retiring for the night, ready to return to Moshi the following day.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi (16km, 4-5 hours)
On Day 8, you’ll complete the final stretch of your Kilimanjaro hike, descending from Mweka Camp to Moshi. This section of the trail is approximately 16 km long and takes 4-5 hours to complete.
The descent is a relatively straightforward hike through the lush, tropical forest of the lower slopes of the mountain. During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery, including the dense vegetation and abundant wildlife that inhabit this region.
Once you reach Moshi, you’ll be met by a representative from the tour company and transferred to your hotel or other accommodation. You’ll have the opportunity to take a shower, freshen up, and relax after your incredible journey.
You’ll also have a chance to celebrate your achievement with your fellow climbers and guides, and to reflect on the amazing experience you’ve just had. You’ll depart with a sense of accomplishment and many unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro hike.
- All park entrance, and administrative fees
- All meals while on Safari
- 3litre water on a daily basis
- Top up 4WD transportation while on Safari
- Camping accommodation
- Walking Tours/Safari in Lake Eyasi Bush man
- International airfares and departure taxes
- All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc.
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, porters, camp staff and driver guide
$ 300 per person
