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7 Days Machame Route

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Distance: 62km
  • Duration: 6 Days
  • Success Rate: Medium to High
  • 7 Days For Better Acclimatization

7 Days Machame Route Itinerary Highlights

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Scenic Variety: Traverse five distinct climatic zones and witness natural marvels like the Lava Tower.
  • Acclimatization: Offers good acclimatization profile for a successful climb.
  • Success Rate: Ranges from medium to high.
  • Duration: 6-7 days, with optional extra day for better acclimatization.
  • Best Time: Dry seasons of January to March and June to October.
  • Popular Choice: Favored by nearly half of Kilimanjaro climbers each year.
  • Approach: Begins from the south, ascends the southern slope, and descends via Mweka route.
  • Intimate Experience: Lower foot traffic provides a more personal and immersive journey.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Arusha to Moshi Machame Gate takes about 2 hrs 30 minutes. The journey passes through the slopes of Mount Meru on Moshi-Arusha Highway then to Moshi town into village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mount Kilimanjaro. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

Distance: 11 km | 7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Overnight – Machame Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 5 km | 3 mile

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

  • Overnight – Shira 2 Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower:

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km | 4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp:

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km | 2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Overnight – Barranco Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Overnight – Karanga Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km | 2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Overnight – Barafu Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp:

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Overnight – Mweka Camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast of Machame Route 7 Days you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 3-4 hours

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

You Trek Includes:

  • Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to hotel
  • Pre trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Return transport from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Guide, Assistant Guide, Chef and Porters
  • Non participation, full service camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Meals as specified and drinking water
  • All national park entry and climbing fees
  • Rescue fee
  • Post trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Departure transfer from hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
  • All current Government taxes and surcharges

Upgrade Your Accommodation:

We also offer accommodation located in the heart of Arusha as well as at coffee lodges and 5-star hotels. Upgrade to one of our 5-start hotels – The Arusha Hotel or the Mount Meru Hotel for just $35 per person, per night. If you would like to upgrade your pre or post safari accommodation in Arusha please ask us for recommendations and availability.

Enhance Your Experience:

A Tanzanian holiday is a dream come true and a once in a lifetime experience for most of our clients. We understand that every traveller is different and we are proud to offer a range of optional activities to enhance your safari experience.

Arusha Day Tours

We offer Arusha City Tours (half or full day), Coffee Farm Tours, Night Tours with Dinner or visit the Lengo Football Academy with Village Walk. Please ask us for a detailed tour description and prices.

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