7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tanzania In 2025-2026

Overview:

The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and a high success rate due to its gradual ascent profile. This 7-day itinerary balances challenge and acclimatization, ensuring a memorable adventure for climbers.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi

• Activities:
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
  • Meet with your guide for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
  • Rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
• Meals: Dinner
• Accommodation: Standard hotel in Moshi

Day 1: Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Activities:
  • Drive to Machame Gate for registration and permits.
  • Trek through lush rainforest, with chances to see unique flora and fauna.
  • Arrive at Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750m)

• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Habitat: Moorland
• Activities:
  • Climb out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone.
  • Enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,600m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)

• Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization.
  • Descend to Barranco Camp, where you'll be surrounded by the dramatic Barranco Wall and unique plant species like the Giant Groundsels.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, a fun and adventurous scramble.
  • Trek to Karanga Camp for acclimatization and incredible views.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Continue your ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.
  • Have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight climb to the summit.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
• Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
• Activities:
  • Begin your summit push at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
  • Celebrate your achievement with stunning views from the highest point in Africa.
  • Descend to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) to Moshi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Activities:
  • Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Standard hotel in Moshi

Inclusions

• Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• Tents and camping equipment
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Two nights' accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek)

Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Climbing gear (available for rent)
• Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
• Personal expenses