7-Day Machame Route
Our 7-Day Machame Route can include both our Standard and All-Inclusive Packages. Any climber (even if part of a group) can choose their own package if they prefer one over the other. All our Kilimanjaro climbs include:
- 2 nights accommodation at a high-end hotel before the climb
- 1-night accommodation at a high-end hotel after the climb
This exciting journey via our 7-Day Machame Route including the hotel nights takes 10 days (excluding flights).
Click here to go to our Packages page where you can find what we include in our packages, as well as the pricing for each of our packages / routes.
DAY 1: RAINFOREST ZONE – MACHAME GATE
We depart from Arusha and head towards the Machame Gate on the mountain’s southern side. This drive typically takes 1.5-2 hours.
Starting at the Machame Gate (5,718ft or 1,748m), we begin our ascent to Machame Camp (9,350ft or 2,850m).
The trek lasts approximately 5-7 hours and takes us through the Tropical Rainforest Zone. We spend the night at Machame Camp.
DAY 2: SHIRA 2 CAMP – MOORLAND/HEATHER ZONE
We start the day at Machame Camp (9,350ft or 2,850m) and leave the Rainforest Zone to reach our next campsite, Shira 2 Camp (12,621ft or 3,847m).
We’re now transitioning into the Moorland/Heather Zone.
Here, trees become less prevalent, and small plants dominate the landscape. We spend the night at Shira 2 Camp.
DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE
We hike from Shira 2 Camp (12,621ft or 3,847m) to Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983m). Along the way, we have a lunch break at Lava Tower.
After lunch, we start our descent to Barranco Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as we enter the desert-like conditions.
Barranco Camp offers fantastic views of the Great Barranco Wall.
DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE
We ascend from Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983m) to Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994m).
To reach Karanga Camp, we need to climb the Barranco Wall with the assistance of our guides. This climb is not technical.
It takes about 4-5 hours to complete, and the rest of the day is dedicated to rest. Overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE
We ascend from Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994m) to Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644m).
This hike lasts about 4-5 hours. We retire early in preparation for our midnight summit climb. Overnight stay at Barafu Camp.
DAY 6: UHURU PEAK – SUMMIT DAY – ARCTIC ZONE
We start our ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m), from Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644m).
We wake up at 11:00 PM and begin our journey around midnight. This trek usually takes around 7 hours.
We reach the summit by sunrise and celebrate our achievement atop Mt. Kilimanjaro.
We then descend via Stella Point to Mweka Camp (10,204ft or 3,110m) in the Moorland/Heather Zone. The descent should take about 6-8 hours.
DAY 7: MWEKA GATE & OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent towards Mweka Gate, located at an elevation of 5,423 feet (1,653 meters). This is where we officially sign the Kilimanjaro National Park Register, marking the successful completion of our expedition via our 7-Day Machame Route. As we reach the gate, our Head Guide will present each participant with a well-deserved Kilimanjaro Certificate, acknowledging their incredible accomplishment.
While at the gate, take a moment to savor a refreshing cold drink, allowing for a well-deserved break before continuing our journey. The descent from Mweka Gate typically takes around 3-4 hours, during which you can reflect on your remarkable journey to the summit.
Once at the gate, we board our comfortable bus, ready to transport us back to the hotel in Arusha. The drive back to the hotel takes approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to relax and relish the memories of your Kilimanjaro expedition. With an expected mid-afternoon arrival, around 3 PM, the exact time may vary depending on your morning departure from the camp.
