7 Days Machame Route

Trip Overview

Embark on a 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the scenic and challenging Machame Route. Encounter diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, end route to Africa’s highest peak. Daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours lead to a challenging yet rewarding summit climb. Ideal for experienced, physically fit trekkers ready for high-altitude challenges. Note: In November, April, or May, rain may erode the path, adding to the challenge.

With Lusen Tours & Safaris

Trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the scenic Machame Route
Journey through varied landscapes: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers
Benefit from better acclimatization over 7 days for increased summit success
Enjoy daily hikes of 6–7 hours with rewarding altitude gains
Tackle a challenging, steep summit night climb to Uhuru Peak
Perfect for experienced and physically fit adventurers
Capture stunning views and dramatic terrain each day
Expect muddy and eroded trails in April, May, or November due to rain

Trip Highlight

7 Days / 6 Nights

Moshi

Price from

$1595 per person

(Based on 2 or more Adults)

Full Itinerary

Day to day

Day 1: Moshi (Hotel) to Machame Camp

Guide and crew brief at the hotel, then drive from Moshi to Machame Gate in 45 minutes, passing through Machame villages. After permits and registration, trek to Machame Camp (3,010 m) through the rainforest, expecting muddy and slippery conditions.

Follow altitude guidelines (avoid alcohol and caffeine, drink over 4 liters of water daily, and consider Diamox for altitude sickness). Be prepared for nighttime discomfort due to acclimatization and communicate any altitude sickness symptoms to your guide

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Trail Trek:5 km/3.11 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, ascend through rainforest glades, crossing a steep rocky ridge and heading west along a river gorge to reach Shira campsite (3,845 m). Enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau as you emerge from the rainforest. The trek is not very difficult, but be mindful of altitude changes and choose a proper pace.

After reaching camp, have lunch and rest before an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, gaining 300 meters in altitude. Take acclimatization hikes seriously to increase summiting chances and avoid altitude sickness consequences. A hot dinner will be served back at Shira Camp in the evening.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Trail Trek: 5 km/3.11 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Shira camp to Barranco Camp via an Ascent to the Lava Tower

Venturing from Shira Plateau (4,630 m), we ascend eastward to Kibo’s peak junction, then southeast to the ‘Shark’s Tooth’ Lava Tower (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Descending past the Arrow Glacier junction, we arrive at Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Despite ending at a comparable elevation, this pivotal day prioritizes acclimatization, gearing us up for the final summit ascent.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Trail Trek: 11 km/6.84 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Following breakfast, our journey departs from Barranco, embarking on a steep ascent along the Barranco Wall to reach the Karanga Valley and the Mweka Trail junction. To optimize the experience, an early start is recommended to avoid crowding on the Barranco Wall ascent. Contrary to its imposing appearance, the climb is relatively gentle, taking just about an hour, and rewards climbers with an excellent photo opportunity against the backdrop of Kibo Peak.

The subsequent part of the day involves a series of undulating terrains where guides will strategically select the best paths for each climber. A well-deserved lunch break awaits at Karanga Camp, followed by an acclimatization climb towards Barafu, reaching an elevation of 4,270 m. The group then descends back to Karanga Camp for the overnight stay

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Trail Trek: 5 km/3.11 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu camp

Following breakfast, your journey commences towards Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m). Anticipate a pre-arranged camp, complete with tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to unwind and recharge.

After restoring your energy, engage in an acclimatization ascent toward the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp, peaking at 4,800 m, before returning to Barafu Camp. Here, a satisfying hot dinner awaits. It is advisable to dedicate the remainder of the day to rest and sleep in preparation for the upcoming night summit.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Trail Trek: 6km/3.73 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Millenum camp

Embark on a nighttime journey from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) to conquer Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The climb is technically straightforward, but altitude poses the main challenge. Each climbing pair is assigned a personal guide for constant support.

Celebrate success at Uhuru Peak, then opt to descend to the nearby glacier. Returning to Barafu Camp, take a 2-hour break before descending to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Be cautious during the descent, as 90% of accidents, including broken limbs, occur then. Mind your feet to avoid toenail damage.

Elevation: 4,700m/15,350ft to 5,895m/19,340ft, the Descent to 3,090m/10,150ft

Trail Trek: 15km/9.32 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 4-6 hours up / 4-5 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Nestled in a tropical rainforest, wake up feeling the relief of lowered altitude and summit success. Enjoy a warm breakfast before journeying to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) for the park exit. Gather with the group for congratulations and share your climb thoughts in the guestbook. Receive your commemorative certificates and a transfer back to your hotel concludes the adventure.

Elevation: Millennium Camp 3,820 m/12,533ft — Mweka Gate 1,640 m/5,380ft
Trail Trek: 12km/7.46 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: Immerse yourself in a 4–5-hours descent journey
Habitat: Tropical rainforest
Meals: Breakfast