7 Days Machame Route
Overview
In this 7-day trek, we will ascend via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey takes us through diverse landscapes including rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts. We will also pass through several camps:
Machame (1 night), Shira (1 night), Barranco (1 night), Karanga (1 night), and Barafu (1 night), before making the final summit push to Uhuru Peak. The descent will take us through Mweka Camp (1 night) and ends at Mweka Gate. This route is ideal for acclimatization and offers breathtaking views throughout the trek. The adventure starts and ends in Arusha.
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Machame Gate
- Day 2 - Machame Camp
- Day 3 - Shira Camp
- Day 4 - Barranco Camp
- Day 5 -Karanga Camp
- Day 6 - Uhuru Peak
- Day 7 - Mweka Camp
Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Elevation Gain: 1,640m/5,380ft to 2,835m/9,300ft
Habitat: Rainforest
The trek begins at Machame Gate, where you will register and start your ascent through the dense, tropical rainforest. This is a lush and humid part of the climb with rich plant life and possibly sightings of monkeys and various bird species. You will gradually gain elevation and arrive at Machame Camp for your first overnight stay.
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Elevation Gain: 2,835m/9,300ft to 3,750m/12,300ft
Habitat: Moorland
On Day 2, you will leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically, and you will start to experience more open views of the surrounding landscape. You will trek up a steep ridge, with views of Mount Meru in the distance, before arriving at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau. From here, you’ll get your first stunning view of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak.
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Elevation Gain: 3,750m/12,300ft to 4,600m/15,090ft (Lava Tower) and descend to 3,900m/12,800ft (Barranco Camp)
Habitat: Semi-desert/Alpine Desert
This is an important acclimatization day. After leaving Shira Camp, you will hike towards the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters. The hike takes you into the alpine desert, and this elevation is a significant challenge for most climbers. After a short break at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the lush Barranco Valley, where Barranco Camp is located. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours| Elevation Gain: 3,900m/12,800ft to 4,035m/13,250ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep climb that involves some scrambling. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Karanga Valley. The rest of the day is a relatively short trek to Karanga Camp, which serves as another important acclimatization stop. You’ll have time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Elevation Gain: 4,035m/13,250ft to 4,640m/15,090ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit push. The trail is steep and challenging, but the excitement builds as you get closer to the top. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight departure to Uhuru Peak. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and temperatures at this altitude are freezing.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Ascent Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Descent Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 4,640m/15,090ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), descend to 3,100m/10,170ft (Mweka Camp) | Habitat: Arctic/Alpine Desert
Around midnight, you will begin the most challenging part of your climb – the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. You will trek through the dark, with the goal of reaching Stella Point at sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a short but strenuous trek along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.After celebrating your achievement and taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Elevation Loss: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day, you will descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will sign out of the park and receive your summit certificates. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Book This Tour
Included
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Tips.
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance
Are you ready to begin planning your Trekking Experience?
Our team specializes in crafting personalized journeys through Tanzania, ensuring a unique safari experience for everyone. Anticipate unforgettable encounters with diverse breathtaking sunsets, all tailored to your individual preferences.
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a customized adventure. Begin planning today!
Mountain Trekking - Packages
Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Uhuru Peak
Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Uhuru Peak
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
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