7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
Trek Snapshot
The Most Scenic Route to the Summit
The Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic trails, known for its beautiful forests, stunning ridge lines, and excellent acclimatization profile. This 7-day version offers a steady pace and higher summit success rate. Expect diverse landscapes, panoramic views, and a true sense of adventure as you make your way to Uhuru Peak.
Your Day-to-Day
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Drive to Machame Gate for registration. Begin your trek through lush rainforest filled with birds, colobus monkeys, and dense vegetation. The trail gradually climbs to Machame Camp where your mountain team has everything set.
Hiking: 5–7 hours | Overnight: Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840 m)
Climb out of the forest and into moorland. The trail becomes steeper but offers rewarding views. Arrive at Shira Camp, located on a high plateau with impressive vistas of Kibo Peak.
Hiking: 4–6 hours | Overnight: Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy boosts your body’s adjustment to altitude. Barranco is known for its dramatic valley views and the towering Barranco Wall.
Hiking: 6–8 hours | Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall. It looks intimidating but is completely manageable and fun. Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is ideal for rest and acclimatization.
Hiking: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Climb steadily into alpine desert toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit. Arrive early, rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the midnight ascent.
Hiking: 4–6 hours | Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp
Begin your summit attempt around midnight. Slowly climb to Stella Point before pushing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy sunrise from the roof of the continent. Descend to Barafu for a short rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
Hiking: 10–14 hours | Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha/Moshi
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate with a summit certificate before driving back to your hotel for a warm shower and well-earned rest.
Hiking: 3–4 hours | Accommodation: End of Tour
INCLUDES
All arrival and departure transfers
Professional, licensed mountain guides
Experienced assistant guides, cooks, and porters
All national park entrance fees and rescue fees
All camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, tables) where applicable
Mountain hut accommodation on Marangu Route
Full-board meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Treated and safe drinking water throughout the trek
All government taxes and charges
EXCLUDES
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing, poles, etc.)
Snacks, energy bars, or personal supplements
Extra nights in hotels before or after the climb (unless included in a package)
Portable flush toilet (available on request)
Ready for Adventure?
Book Now