7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
7 Days, 6 Nights
Price from $2000
Tour Summary
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Accommodation: Machame camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Accommodation: Shira camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Moshi
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7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route Tour Overview
The Machame Route (Whiskey) is Kilimanjaro’s most popular camping route. It’s a rugged combination of routes that begins in the rainforest at Machame Village on the mountain’s southwest side, rises onto the edge of the Shira Plateau, descends into the beautiful Great Barranco Valley, and then circumvents the Kibo massif counterclockwise through the alpine desert until reaching Barafu Camp. The trek to the summit continues overnight to the crater rim via the steep scree slopes of the east-south-east facing Mweka Route. The trail winds through some stunning scenery that changes dramatically every day. Because of the high altitude and limited rest time before the overnight summit attempt, this route requires both mental and physical toughness. This route has no huts; instead, you’ll stay in mountain tents and eat in our dining tents.
Day by day
DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 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 up a winding trail through the rainforest to a ridge. Lower down, the trail may be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended here. We travel a short distance to reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp
•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades and continue up an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered in heather until it ends. The route now heads west through a river gorge. It is time to rest, eat, and spend the night at the Shira campsite.
DAY 3 : Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction and heading for Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, our direction shifts to the southeast, towards the Lava Tower known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we arrive at the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. We now descend to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Here we rest, eat dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as you began, this day is critical for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and head up a steep ridge, past the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day intended for acclimatization.
DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and reach the junction with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. After completing the South Circuit, you can enjoy views of the summit from various angles. We set up camp, rest, eat dinner, and prepare for summit day. This vantage point offers views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•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
We continue our journey to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers at very early hours (midnight to 2 a.m.). You head northwest and climb through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), take a short rest and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting). The 1-hour ascent to the summit from Stella Point may involve encountering snow throughout. Uhuru Peak marks the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers can see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we descend straight to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for navigating loose gravel. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, so expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, we have our final dinner on the mountain and relax before retiring for the night.
DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Shorts and T-shirts will most likely suffice (be sure to bring rain gear and warmer clothing). From the gate, it’s another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and transport you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Price
| PAX | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
| Price | $2206 | $2206 | $2206 | $2092 | $2092 | $2011 |
Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, for physically prepared beginners. While it is more challenging than Marangu, the gradual ascent over 7 days allows for good acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
Essential items include layered clothing, trekking boots, gloves, hat, trekking poles, sunscreen, headlamp, daypack, and reusable water bottles. Layering is key for varying temperatures.
Yes. Professional guides, porters, and cooks accompany trekkers throughout, providing support, carrying gear, and ensuring safety.
Yes. The 7-day Machame trek can be adjusted for extra acclimatization, combined with a safari, or tailored to match your pace and preferences.
Machame is a camping route, with comfortable tents at each campsite. Meals are prepared by experienced cooks, and porters assist with luggage and camp setup.