Category

Duration
7 Days
Tour Type
Private Tour
Group Size
min 10 People
Tour Guide
2:1
Tanzania

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary via the Machame Route

Package Details

Start an exhilarating 7-day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with this detailed itinerary via the Machame Route. Known for its stunning vistas and diverse landscapes, the Machame Route is renowned for providing a challenging yet rewarding climb. This itinerary is designed to ensure proper acclimatization and to allow climbers to fully experience the beauty and majesty of Africa’s highest peak. With a mix of rigorous trekking and scenic relaxation, this route offers an unforgettable journey to the summit.

Tour Highlights:

  • Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
  • Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
  • Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
  • Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Included
    • Professional guides, assistant guides, porters, and cook
    • Park entrance fees, camping fees, and trekking permits
    • High-quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, dining tents)
    • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • First aid kit and emergency oxygen
    • Summit certificate
    • Optional gear rental (trekking poles, gaiters)
    Excluded
    • International airfare
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa fees
    • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, water bottles, etc.)
    • Optional activities (excursions, sightseeing tours, extended stays)
    • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks)
    • Medical treatment or evacuation costs
    • Extra meals and accommodations outside the package
    • Additional tipping for guides and staff
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    Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

    Your journey begins at the Machame Gate, where you'll register and meet your climbing team. From there, embark on a trek through the verdant rainforest, filled with vibrant flora and wildlife. The hike to Machame Camp, situated at 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), takes approximately 5-6 hours. As you ascend, take in the lush surroundings and listen to the sounds of the forest. Upon reaching Machame Camp, set up your tent, enjoy a satisfying meal, and rest for the night, preparing for the days ahead.

    Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

    After a hearty breakfast, leave Machame Camp and hike towards Shira Camp, located at 3,850 meters (12,630 feet). This trek takes around 5-6 hours and includes a challenging ascent followed by a traverse across the Shira Plateau. As you climb, enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the expansive plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, giving yourself time to acclimatize and relax. Enjoy the stunning scenery and prepare for the next day's hike. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Shira Camp.

    Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    Begin your day with a trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower, situated at 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). This hike, lasting approximately 4-5 hours, allows for acclimatization as you gain altitude. After reaching the Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters (12,990 feet), which takes an additional 2-3 hours. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while also providing stunning views of the high-altitude desert landscape and the Barranco Wall. Arrive at Barranco Camp in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night.

    Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Start your trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters (13,240 feet). The hike involves climbing the Barranco Wall, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The ascent takes about 1-2 hours, followed by a relatively flat trek to Karanga Camp, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. The day’s total trek lasts around 4-5 hours. Arrive at Karanga Camp, take time to rest and acclimatize, and prepare for the final push to Barafu Camp. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.

    Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    After breakfast, continue your trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, situated at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). This hike, lasting about 4-5 hours, involves ascending through alpine terrain. Barafu Camp serves as the base camp for your summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the climb. Enjoy an early dinner and get some rest, as your summit attempt will begin in the early hours of the following morning. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

    Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

    Begin your summit attempt from Barafu Camp around midnight. The climb to Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), involves navigating steep, icy slopes. The ascent takes several hours, but reaching the summit provides breathtaking sunrise views and a profound sense of achievement. After celebrating and taking photos at Uhuru Peak, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, located at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). The total descent takes approximately 5-7 hours, including breaks. Arrive at Mweka Camp, enjoy a well-deserved dinner, and rest for the night.

    Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    After breakfast at Mweka Camp, begin your final descent to Mweka Gate. The trek takes about 3-4 hours through lush rainforest, offering a last chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems. Upon reaching the gate, complete park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your accommodation in Arusha, concluding your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.

    This 7-day Kilimanjaro climbing itinerary via the Machame Route offers a well-paced and thorough ascent, ensuring adequate acclimatization and allowing climbers to fully experience the diverse and stunning landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro.