Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Elevation: 890m (2,920ft)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After checking in, meet your mountain guide for a briefing and final gear check. Rest and prepare for your adventure.
- Meal Plan: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate – Hike to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,640m) where you will complete the necessary registration formalities. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, a humid area filled with towering trees, ferns, and vibrant birdlife. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
- Elevation: 1,640m (5,380ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)
- Distance: 11km (7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The trail ascends steeply out of the rainforest, transitioning into heather and moorland. Today’s trek offers expansive views as you climb onto the Shira Plateau. The hike is shorter but steeper, and you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes. Camp is set at Shira, a high-altitude desert.
- Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)
- Distance: 5km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today is a crucial day for acclimatization. The trail takes you through the alpine desert toward the Lava Tower (4,630m). Although you ascend to a higher altitude, you will descend again to sleep at Barranco Camp (3,960m), which helps your body adjust to the elevation. Lava Tower is a stunning volcanic rock formation, and you’ll have time to rest and explore before heading down to the lush Barranco Valley.
- Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) – Descend to 3,960m (12,990ft)
- Distance: 10km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin your day with a challenging but fun scramble up the Barranco Wall, which is not as intimidating as it may look. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Heim Glacier and the valley below. Continue on to Karanga Camp, passing through undulating terrain. This is a shorter day designed to help with further acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3,960m (12,990ft) to 4,035m (13,250ft)
- Distance: 5km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga Camp and continue on a steep ridge toward Barafu Camp. The terrain becomes more barren and alpine as you near the summit base camp. After reaching Barafu Camp, rest and prepare for the early morning summit attempt. Have an early dinner and go to bed as you’ll be waking up in the middle of the night for the final ascent.
- Elevation: 4,035m (13,250ft) to 4,640m (15,220ft)
- Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit – Mweka Camp
Around midnight, start your final push to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trek is steep and mentally challenging as you ascend through the arctic environment. After several hours of hiking, you will reach Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll take a short rest before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
- Elevation: 4,640m (15,220ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) (Uhuru Peak), Descend to 3,110m (10,204ft)
- Distance: 17km (11 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
After breakfast, continue your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower and relaxation at your hotel.
- Elevation: 3,110m (10,204ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
- Distance: 10km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Pricing Information for Machame Route 7 Days
| Group Size | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,500 - $3,000 |
| 2-4 people | $2,000 - $2,500 |
| 5+ people | $1,800 - $2,200 |
Inclusions
- Transport: Return transfers from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate.
- Accommodation: Camping accommodations during the trek, including tents and sleeping gear.
- Meals: Full-board meals throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Park Fees: All necessary entrance fees to Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Guides and Porters: Services of a professional mountain guide and support staff.
- Drinking Water: Safe drinking water supplied during the trek.
- Emergency Equipment: First aid kit and oxygen supply in case of emergencies.
- Government Taxes: All applicable taxes and levies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic trekking routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering diverse landscapes and a challenging climb.
2. How long does it take to complete the Machame Route?
The trek can take either 6 or 7 days. The 7-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization, which increases your chances of summiting successfully.
3. What is the difference between the 6-day and 7-day Machame Route?
The 7-day variant offers an additional day for acclimatization at Karanga Camp, which helps with altitude adjustment. The 6-day route follows a quicker pace with less acclimatization time.
4. Is the Machame Route difficult?
Yes, it’s considered moderately difficult. Steep sections, long trekking days, and altitude challenges make it tough, especially on summit night. Good fitness and acclimatization are important.
5. What is the best time to trek the Machame Route?
The best time to hike the Machame Route is during the dry seasons from January to March and June to October, when weather conditions are more favorable.
6. Do I need technical climbing experience for the Machame Route?
No, the Machame Route is a non-technical trekking route. You don’t need climbing experience, but physical preparation and acclimatization are key to success.
7. What is summit night like on the Machame Route?
Summit night is the most challenging part of the trek. Climbers start at midnight, hiking steeply up to Uhuru Peak to catch the sunrise. It’s a tough ascent due to altitude and cold weather.
8. What wildlife can I expect to see on the Machame Route?
While trekking the Machame Route, you might spot various wildlife, including monkeys in the rainforest zone and unique bird species along the route.
9. Are there acclimatization days on the Machame Route?
Yes, the 7-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, giving you more time to adjust to the altitude.
10. What is included in the Machame Route trekking package?
Packages usually include park fees, camping equipment, meals, guides, porters, and transport to and from the trailhead. Confirm the details with your tour operator.
