7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route provides a unique opportunity to test your physical and mental fortitude, as well as your fitness, with its diverse terrain and breathtaking views. The trail takes you through lush rainforests inhabited by colobus monkeys, then into heath and moorland where ferns and ericas thrive, before ultimately reaching the icy summit of the mountain. The route spans seven days, with varying altitudes and a touch of good fortune, creating an ideal environment for acclimatization and increasing your chances of reaching the summit. During the Machame Route tour, overnight stays will be in tents.

Trip Description

This journey is more than just a climb—it’s a transformative experience. As you go through the Machame Route 7-day tour with us, you’ll face both challenge and beauty in equal measure. The steady pace and well-planned itinerary provide ample time to adapt to the changing altitude, making it one of the most rewarding ways to experience Kilimanjaro’s majesty. For those seeking a slightly quicker trek without compromising on the scenic splendor, the 6-day Machame Route offers a condensed version of the climb. Though more intense, it’s still a favored option for experienced hikers aiming for efficiency and endurance. The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” approaches Kilimanjaro from the southwest and traverses the scenic Shira Plateau before ascending to the summit via Stella Point. Known for its stunning landscapes and varied terrain, the 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route offers excellent acclimatization and higher summit success rates compared to shorter options like the 6-Day Machame Route. The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” approaches Kilimanjaro from the southwest and traverses the scenic Shira Plateau before ascending to the summit via Stella Point. Known for its stunning landscapes and varied terrain, the 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route offers excellent acclimatization and higher summit success rates compared to shorter options like the 6-Day Machame Route. Price Includes: Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary Professional, English-speaking guide Mountain crew (cook & porters) Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables, etc.) Portable toilet and toilet tent Meals according to the itinerary Drinking water All national park fees All mentioned transfers Price Excludes: Sleeping bag Flights Alcoholic and soft drinks Visa fees Tips Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc. Travel insurance Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary Professional, English-speaking guide Mountain crew (cook & porters) Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables, etc.) Portable toilet and toilet tent Meals according to the itinerary Drinking water All national park fees All mentioned transfers Price Excludes: Sleeping bag Flights Alcoholic and soft drinks Visa fees Tips Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc. Travel insurance

Accomodation

Tent

Stay program

day 1
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport: you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, located near Arusha. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You may choose to relax by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon, our team will brief you on what to expect during your upcoming trek.
day 2
Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, you will be picked up at your lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After completing all the necessary paperwork, your adventure commences. Your destination for today is the Machame Camp. Soon, you will be hiking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns, and endemic flowers like the Impatiens kilimanjari. You might also spot black and white colobus monkeys peeking through the leaves. Upon reaching the campsite, you will have time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal before snuggling into your tent for the night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
day 3
Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
Today’s early start is not due to a long stretch, but rather to allow you to reach Shira Camp around mid-afternoon. As you walk, you will notice the dramatic change in the landscape—from lush, green rainforest to dry moor and heathland. Upon arriving at your campsite, a beautiful view of the mountain range opens up before you. The glaciers of Kibo glisten in the golden hue of the setting sun as you enjoy another lovingly cooked meal before climbing into your tent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
day 4
Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Acclimatisation is on today’s menu. You will climb roughly 800 m, but sleep at a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you will make your way up to Lava Tower. Here, you will rest for a while before continuing through the Barranco Valley to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The trek will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, but the various distractions of the alpine desert, as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecios, will keep your mind off the stretch still ahead. A well-deserved dinner and overnight stay await you at Barranco Camp. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
day 5
Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Today, the Barranco Wall stands before you, ready to be conquered. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary. Your guide will be with you every step of the way to lend a helping hand. The route, with its numerous ascents and descents, allows for further acclimatisation and leads you to the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge, you can take in the beautiful landscape, with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 and 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy. Enjoy your evening meal and overnight stay at Karanga Camp. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
day 6
Acclimatization at Karanga Valley (14,800)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs., Elevation change: +100 m Estimated distance: 4 km, Maximum elevation: 4590 m Final elevation: 4000 m From Barranco Hut, we climb up along the edge of the great Barranco. Ninety-five percent of the day's walk will be at an elevation of 4,250 m. We will end our day at Karanga Valley campsite at an elevation of 4,000 m. Walking time is 4 to 5 hours on this day.
day 7
Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
At around midnight, you will be woken up by your guide with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only sources of light as you make your way up to Stella Point (5,730m), reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds around you. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed, you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain in Africa. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
day 8
Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Return to Arusha
A scrumptious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate. You will be met at the gate and taken back to the Meru View Lodge for a long shower and a relaxing day by the pool. Stay overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa on a bed and breakfast basis.