Low Season
Your selected low-season travel dates
Request a Quote
Price prepared for your dates and group size
Enter the confirmed rate in admin.
Mount Kilimanjaro · Machame Route
7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route
A scenic seven-day Kilimanjaro climb through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit zone, with a carefully paced acclimatisation schedule.
7 daysChallenging5,895 m — Uhuru PeakTented mountain camps
Climb Overview
A complete plan from the mountain gate to the summit
The seven-day Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic climbing options. It approaches from the southwest, crosses the Shira Plateau, passes beneath Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, then reaches the summit from Barafu Camp before descending through the Mweka forest.
The itinerary is designed to give climbers a more gradual acclimatisation journey than shorter schedules. Walking distances, times and camp elevations remain approximate because weather, trail conditions and the pace of the group can change each day.
Climb Gallery
See the mountain journey clearly
Every uploaded photo is shown in its natural proportions. Select a photo to open the original file full-screen.
1 climb photo · Photos are not cropped
Clear Seasonal Pricing
Choose the season that matches your dates
Prices are shown only after they have been confirmed by our team. Blank seasons remain available by quotation.
Mid Season
Your selected mid-season travel dates
Request a Quote
Price prepared for your dates and group size
Enter the confirmed rate in admin.
High Season
Your selected high-season travel dates
Request a Quote
Price prepared for your dates and group size
Enter the confirmed rate in admin.
Day-by-Day Climb
Your route to the roof of Africa
Distances, elevations and walking times are approximate and can change with trail, weather and group conditions.
1Arrival at Machame Gate and trek to Machame CampMachame Gate → Machame Camp+
After breakfast and a pre-climb check, drive to Machame Gate for registration. Begin through the lush montane rainforest, where the trail can be wet and muddy. Your mountain crew prepares camp, dinner and the evening health check at Machame Camp.
2Machame Camp to Shira 2 CampMachame Camp → Shira 2 Camp+
Leave the forest and climb into heath and moorland. The trail opens onto the Shira Plateau with broad mountain views. The shorter distance is balanced by steady altitude gain, so the team keeps a slow, comfortable pace.
3Acclimatisation via Lava Tower to Barranco CampShira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco+
Climb gradually toward Lava Tower for valuable acclimatisation, then descend into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep lower” day helps the body adjust while introducing the alpine desert landscape.
4Barranco Wall and trek to Karanga CampBarranco → Karanga Camp+
Begin with the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble assisted by your guides. Continue across a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp for rest, hydration and another night of acclimatisation.
5Karanga Camp to Barafu Base CampKaranga → Barafu Camp+
Climb into the high alpine desert to Barafu, the base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, your guide completes the summit briefing and equipment check. Rest as much as possible before the night departure.
6Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka CampBarafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp+
Depart around midnight for the slow ascent toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. After photographs and a short summit stay, descend to Barafu for a brief rest and continue to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the climb.
7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and returnMweka Camp → Mweka Gate+
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete park formalities, receive the appropriate summit certificate and meet your transfer vehicle for the journey back to your hotel.
Your Quotation
What the climbing package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry and camping fees
- TANAPA rescue fee for the scheduled climb
- Professional licensed mountain guides
- Porters and mountain cook
- All meals and safe drinking water while on the mountain
- Quality sleeping tent and dining tent
- Emergency oxygen and basic first-aid equipment
- Daily health and oxygen-saturation checks
- Transfers between your Arusha or Moshi hotel and the mountain gates
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa and travel insurance
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb unless quoted
- Personal mountain clothing and equipment
- Equipment rental unless included in your quotation
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
- Personal drinks, snacks and expenses
- Medical treatment, evacuation beyond the standard park rescue provision or itinerary changes
- Any service not clearly listed under inclusions
Prepare Properly
Equipment, fitness and altitude safety
Essential packing
- Waterproof hiking boots already broken in
- Warm insulated jacket and waterproof outer layers
- Thermal base layers and trekking trousers
- Warm hat, sun hat and gloves
- Daypack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag suitable for freezing mountain temperatures
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottles or hydration system
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and personal toiletries
- Trekking poles and gaiters
- Personal medication and travel documents
Fitness requirements
You should be able to walk for several hours on consecutive days while carrying a small daypack. Begin progressive walking, stair or hill training and general strength work several weeks before departure. The climb is non-technical, but altitude, cold, rough ground and summit night make it physically demanding. Consult a qualified medical professional before booking if you have a medical condition or concerns about high-altitude travel.
Altitude and safety
Altitude affects every climber differently. Walk slowly, drink regularly, eat even when appetite is reduced and tell your guide immediately about headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, breathing difficulty or confusion. Your guide may change the pace, stop an ascent or arrange descent when safety requires it. Reaching the summit is never guaranteed; your health comes first.
Ready to plan Machame Route?
Tell us your preferred dates, number of climbers, residency and equipment needs. We will prepare a clear quotation before you confirm.