7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route: Scenic Adventure to the Summit

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1640 m - 2835 m)
1 stop
1
Mount Kilimanjaro
Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your Arusha or Moshi hotel to the Machame Gate (1640m). After registration, begin the 11 km trek (approximately 6 hrs of hiking). Enjoy trekking through the rainforest, but be prepared for sudden tropical showers. You will climb out of the rainforest climate zone as your head toward Machame Camp.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (2835 m - 3840 m)
1 stop
2
Mount Kilimanjaro
Trek through beautiful moorland as you cross the beautiful Shira Plateau. This is one of the highest plateaus in the world and offers incredible views. You’ll likely notice the temperature cool down as you reach higher elevations, especially at night. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp. All meals provided. **Many climbers begin to feel the rise in elevation here. Consider taking Diamox to help relieve these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable climb.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3840 m - 3960)
1 stop
3
Mount Kilimanjaro
This trekking day is an excellent example of ‘climb high, sleep low’; because during the course of the day you will climb to the top of Lava Tower, which stands at 4650 m, and is a fun challenge, then descent back to a lower altitude for overnight. This is optimal for your body to begin adjusting to the higher altitude. The overall trek covers just under 11 km and usually takes 6 or 7 hours to complete.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3950 m to 3995 m)
1 stop
4
Mount Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, begin another exciting challenge; tackling Barranco Wall. From a distance, the Wall appears intimidating, but as you get closer, you’ll see the massive rocks and wide natural steps to manage as you ascend. The hike covers 5 km and crosses over the Alpine Desert climate zone.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3995 m - 4660 m)
1 stop
5
Mount Kilimanjaro
This day is is an acclimatization day, and where the 7-day trek differs from the 6-day Machame option. Instead of climbing straight from Barranco to Barafu Camp, your team overnights at Karanga Camp. This means your body has more time to adjust to the high altitude. You’ll trek just 3 or 4 hours, covering a distance of 6 km. Another benefit to this additional acclimatization day is the option to rest up early for the summit. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp. (4660 m - 5895 m - 3106m )
1 stop
6
Mount Kilimanjaro
This is the Summit Day, and it begins just after midnight. Your group will meet for a hot drink and a light snack before setting for the final ascent. With the aid of headlamps, you will trek in the dark toward the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak. The 5 km trek takes a grueling 6 hrs to reach the summit, due to the intense elevation. This is the highest mountain in Africa, after all! Enjoy a sunrise on top of the world, cheer with the other successful climbers, then descend back to Barafu Camp. Enjoy a hot breakfast and a much deserved rest, before continuing to descend down to Mweka Camp. Overall, expect 12 – 13 hours of trekking this day, covering a distance of 18 km. One of the appeals of the Machame Route is that it has a different trail up and down, meaning you will get to see more of the mountain.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
1 stop
Mount Kilimanjaro (Pass by)
This is the final trekking day. After breakfast as Mweka Camp, continue down to Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the end of your climb, you will be awarded official park certificates, have another chance to celebrate with the entire climbing crew, including the cooks or porters who accompanied your trek. Then, you will transfer to your Moshi or Arusha-area hotel for overnight. Breakfast and Lunch provided. Please reach out if you would like us to arrange your accommodations before or after the trek.

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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