Ngusero Bus Stop, Arusha 23123, Tanzania +255 765 345 057
7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame
Mount Kilimanjaro

7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame

7 Days / 6 Nights 99 26 10

Overview

Tour Highlights

The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route.

On the 7 days climbing kilimanjaro Machame Route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.

This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain.

By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

The 7 days climbing kilimanjaro machame route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators. With carefully planned itineraries and ample rest periods, our 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro Machame route ensures optimal acclimatization and a greater chance of summit success.

7 Days Max People : 26
Min Age : 10+ Pickup : Kilimanjaro International Airport

Daily Itinerary

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 Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and a half hours. The journey of 7 days climbing kilimanjaro Machame Route passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
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. Dinner and overnight 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 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.
Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Today is the most challenging but rewarding day of the trek. Wake up before midnight and start your ascent to the summit of Mount Meru (4,566 meters). The trail is steep and rocky, requiring determination and endurance. As you make your way to the summit, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the surrounding peaks and the distant plains of Tanzania. Reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, and savor the sense of accomplishment as you take in the panoramic views.
After spending some time at the summit, begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Continue descending to Momella Gate, where your Mount Meru trek concludes. Celebrate your achievement and bid farewell to your guide and the mountain. You will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a relaxing evening.
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 hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
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
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 they 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.
Day 7

Mweka Camp to Moshi or Arusha

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Price Includes

  • All transfers
  • Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
  • Rescue fees
  • Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Clean purified water
  • Accommodation before climbing
  • All entry fees
  • All meals during your trekking
  • Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food

Excludes

  • Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
  • Flight ticket
  • Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
  • Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned above
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania Machame Gate - Mount Kilimanjaro, Barangata, Tanzania Machame Camp, W738+XPH, Barangata, Tanzania Shira Cave Camp, W7MG+4J7, Gilman's Point, Tanzania Lava Tower Expedition and Safaris, Soweto 1234, Tanzania Baranco Camp, W84H+8F4, Gilman's Point, Tanzania Karanga Camp, Mweka Trail, Tanzania Barafu Camp, W92H+76C, Gilman's Point, Tanzania Uhuru Peak, Mweka Trail, 00100, Tanzania Mweka Camp, V99C+7V4, Gilman's Point, Tanzania