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7 Days Machame Route – Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Kilimanjaro · Machame Route

7 Days Machame Route

Duration
7 Days
Route
Machame Route
Highest point
19,345 ft
Price
From $1,700

Tour Overview

The 7 Days Machame Route is one of the most scenic and best-known ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. You gain height gradually, which is good for acclimatization. The trail, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” comes up from the southwest and passes through five ecological zones, from rainforest to alpine desert, before you reach the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Compared with the 6-day version, the 7-day route adds an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, which gives you a much better chance of reaching the summit. On the way you’ll see the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, and from the summit you get wide views of the glaciers.

This itinerary is a good fit if you want a strong chance of success without rushing. It balances a real challenge with good acclimatization.

6 Days Machame Route + 2 Nights in Hotel
Route map · open full size

Highlights

  • Trekking the Highest Mountain of Africa
  • Easy to Acclimatize and Better Chances of Successful Climb
  • Incredible Natural Beauty

Itinerary

10,000 ft 15,000 ft 5,400 Day 1: Machame Gate, 5,400 ft 9,400 Day 1: Machame Camp, 9,400 ft 12,500 Day 2: Shira Camp, 12,500 ft 13,000 Day 3: Barranco Camp, 13,000 ft 13,100 Day 4: Karanga Camp, 13,100 ft 15,300 Day 6: Barafu Camp, 15,300 ft 19,345 Day 6: Summit, 19,345 ft 10,000 Day 6: Mweka Hut, 10,000 ft 5,400 Day 7: Moshi, 5,400 ft
Ascent profile, in feet: Machame Gate 5,400 ft to Summit 19,345 ft. Select a point to read that day.
  1. Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

    All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

    The Hotel we are using is between these

    Parkview Inn Hotel

    Panama Garden Resort

    Weruweru River Lodge

  2. Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp

    The drive from Moshi 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.

    The drive from Moshi 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.

    Elevation (ft)
    5,400ft to 9,400ft
    Distance
    11 km
    Hiking Time
    6-7 hours
    Habitat
    Rain Forest
    Transport
    Private
    Accommodation
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
  3. 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.It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.

    Elevation (ft)
    9,400ft to 12,500ft
    Distance
    5 km
    Hiking Time
    5-6 hours
    Habitat
    Moorland
    Accommodation
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
  4. 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.

    Elevation (ft)
    12,500ft to 13,000ft
    Distance
    10 km
    Hiking Time
    6-8 hours
    Habitat
    Semi Desert
    Accommodation
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
  5. Day 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    A short but fun and meant for acclimatization, day starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley [390M] beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga Campsite

    Elevation (ft)
    13,000ft to 13,100ft
    Distance
    5 km
    Hiking Time
    4-5 hours
    Habitat
    Alpine Desert
    Meals
    Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
    Accommodation
    Camping
  6. Day 5 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) 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 will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

    The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

    Hiking time
    8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka
    Distance
    Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent
    Habitat
    Stone scree and ice-capped summit
    Accommodation
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  7. Day 6 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

    Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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.

    Elevation (ft)
    15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
    Distance
    5 km ascent / 12 km descent
    Hiking Time
    7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
    Habitat
    Arctic
    Meals
    Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
    Accommodation
    Camping
  8. 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).

    A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

    Depart Tanzania

    This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

    Elevation (ft)
    10,000ft to 5,400ft
    Distance
    10 km
    Hiking Time
    3-4 hours
    Habitat
    Rain Forest
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast Included

Places on This Trip

Include

  • 7 Days 6 Nights Machame Route
  • Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • Private transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • National Park entry fees, Camping fees, rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season mountain tents with comfortable Sleeping Mattress
  • 2 nights of your Hotel stay before and after trek in Moshi.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters [average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in a group]
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit

Exclude

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel insurance
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.
  • Flights
  • Laundry (Available at hotel)
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the
  • Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
  • Guides: $20/day/guide
  • Cook: $15/day
  • Porter: $10/day/porter

Prices

Price For 7 Days Machame Route + 2 Nights in Hotel

People in Group1-23-56-89+
Standard package$1,900$1,800$1,750$1,700

Prices in US dollars.

Group climbs

Group Dates for This Climb

20 upcoming dates, the next 6 below. Join other travelers on a set date.

All group dates

Trekking Preparation

Testimonials

What Our Travelers Say About Our Tours

  • Highly Experienced and Wonderful Crew

    The 7 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trek exceeded our expectations. The route is so beautiful and we enjoyed tackling the mountain with experienced guides - Bakari and Nickson. They were supportive from start to finish in all the aspects of the trek, starting with the technical strategy on the speed, rests and ensuring that we were healthy through regular checks.

    SteveRead on TripAdvisor

  • Absolutely Beautiful Memories For My Family

    Traveling with my 6 members of my family of ages between 8 and 73 is always a complex task with many moving parts. We had to arrange for Mama and Poppas dietary restrictions, accommodations, easy access for Mama and off-course places with a pool and kids activities for Lil Poppa and his teenage sister Anna.

    Martina_EaghanRead on TripAdvisor

  • Awesome Trekking

    My bothers and I shared one of the most incredible experiences in Tanzania as we trekked up Kilimanjaro. Our host Naick of Kilisa Tours & Safaris is the man behind our success.

    TobiasRead on TripAdvisor

  • Fun & Adventure On Our Christmas Vacation

    Our safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti with Kilisa Tours and Safaris for exceeded all our expectations in every way. We were impressed by the high standards set right from our pickup at the airport, during the trip to the good byes. Nothing was left to chance as every detail had been well planned for.

    MauriceRead on TripAdvisor

  • The Best Experience Absolutely

    We could not have asked for a better experience on Kilimanjaro. Everything about this trip with this local operator was top notch. Starting with the booking with Naick who made it smooth and easy with his timely responses and advice. Payment was easy and they took care of all the logistics that all we had to do was present ourselves at the KIA.

    LokiRead on TripAdvisor

  • Hike Mt Kilimanjaro

    We have visited Tanzania before, but this was our first time trekking Kilimanjaro. We are truly thrilled with our decision to choose Kilisa Tours & Safaris for our adventure, as they provided exceptional support throughout the trek.

    Tephia SRead on TripAdvisor

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