- Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days
- Trip Type: Hiking
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Rout
Map
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Booking Form
Description
The Machame Route is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the southern side of the mountain. Known for its scenic beauty, this route offers a gradual ascent, making it an ideal choice for many climbers.
Depending on your time and budget, the route can be completed in 6, 7, or 8 days. It is a camping route and one of the two “whisky” routes on Kilimanjaro, known for its challenging yet rewarding climb.
Include /Exclude
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountai
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Personal Snacks
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
- Tips for the mountain crew
Trek itinerary
Day 1 to Machame Camp (2835m)
The first part of the 11 km trail from Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp is an easy walk along a gravel road with a gradual ascent. The trail is not very steep and takes you through the lush rainforest. Along the way, you may spot Black and White Colobus monkeys and Blue Monkeys.
After a short lunch break, the trail becomes steeper, and the forest starts to thin out. If the weather is clear, you may get a glimpse of your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak, as you approach the camp.
Day 2 to Shira Cave (3750m)
The trail from Machame Camp to Shira Camp is 5 km long, with a steep beginning. It leads through the moorland zone of the mountain, offering several viewpoints along the way. From these points, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru, the forest you traversed on day 1, as well as Shira Peak and Kibo Peak.
Upon reaching the camp, you have the option to take a short acclimatization walk (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) to enjoy a beautiful sunset and further enhance your body’s adaptation to the altitude.
Day 3 to Baranco Camp 3940m:
The trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp covers 10 km and takes 6-7 hours, including a lunch break. The day begins with a gradual walk to the junction where climbers from the Western routes join.
From there, the trail leads to Lava Tower (4,600m), a striking 150m high volcanic plug jutting out from the mountain’s side. You’ll stop here for lunch and a brief rest before descending to Barranco Camp for the night.
Day 4 to Karanga Camp 3995m:
The trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is 6 km and takes 3-5 hours. This day includes a challenging ascent of Barranco Wall, a 300m high cliff that peaks at 4,200m. The trail is narrow and can get crowded with hikers, porters, and guides. In some sections, you’ll need to use your hands to climb.
Along the way, you’ll pass Kissing Rock, a well-known feature, before descending into the Karanga Valley at 3,930m. This is the last place where porters can fetch water before reaching the camp.
Day 5 to Barafu Camp 4673m:
The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp covers 4 km and takes 3-4 hours. The walk is a gradual ascent, and “pole pole” (slowly) walking is recommended for proper acclimatization.
As you reach the alpine desert zone, you’ll have a clear view of Kibo Peak on your left. Just before reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll pass through an area with sedimentary rocks. Barafu Camp is a dry camp, so the team will carry water from Karanga Valley for your needs.
Summit
You will wake up around 11:00 pm, enjoy some tea and snacks, and dress warmly for the summit. At 12:00 am, you’ll begin your ascent, starting with steep rocky sections for about 2-3 hours. Afterward, you’ll cross the zigzag trail as you make your way toward the crater rim and eventually reach Stella Point (5,756m) by around 6:00 am.
This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb. At Stella Point, you’ll take a short break and be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting). From here, you’ll continue for another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. For faster climbers, the sunrise will be enjoyed from the summit itself.
After taking in the views and capturing photos, you will descend back down, heading straight to Mweka Hut campsite, with a brief rest and brunch at Barafu Camp along the way.
Day 6 to Mweka Camp 3100m:
The descent begins from Barafu Camp via the Mweka Route, first heading to Millennium Camp (3,797m). The 4 km stretch is steep and takes around 2-3 hours, moving from the alpine desert zone into the moorland zone.
From Millennium Camp, the trail continues for 3.5 km to Mweka Camp (3,100m), taking another 2-3 hours. The descent passes through the moorland and into the forest zone, where you’ll see unique plant species such as Protea Kilimandscharica and Red Hot Poker, along with other beautiful flora.
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Day 7 to Mweka Gate (1640m) and Drive to Moshi:
The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate covers 10 km and takes about 4-5 hours. The trail is long and steep, passing through the rain forest, which can be wet and slippery, so careful and slow walking is necessary.
As you continue through the forest, you’ll encounter various species of flowers, including Impatiens Kilimanjari, and a variety of tree species. If you’re lucky, you might spot Blue Monkeys or Black and White Colobus Monkeys along the way.
Once you reach Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out from the park and celebrate your successful climb. Afterward, you will drive back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and a hot shower.
