Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Machame Camp - Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest / Montane Forest

The 7-day Mt Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame route begins with a drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, taking approximately 50 minutes. This journey on the Machame route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes. After leaving the park gate, the trail winds through the rainforest up a ridge. The path can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues on a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest / Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate for the 7-day Kilimanjaro hiking Machame route package takes about 50 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame on the mountain’s lower slopes. After leaving the park gate, the trail winds through the rainforest up a ridge. The path can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are advisable. The first day of the 7-day Machame route continues a short distance to Machame Camp. The longer distance of the Machame route offers better acclimatization and a higher success rate.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Shira Camp - Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, the trek leaves the rainforest glades and continues on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The Machame route then turns west onto a river gorge leading to Shira Camp. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4miles

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp - Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau, the third day of the 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame trek continues east up the ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The route then heads southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After the tower, the path reaches a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft. The itinerary then descends to Barranco Camp at 13,000ft. Here, trekkers rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, it is crucial for acclimatization and prepares the body for summit day.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp - Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Moorland

On day 4 of the 7-day Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route, after breakfast, trekkers ascend the eastern wall just below the Heim Glacier, offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route then takes a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, separating trekkers from Kibo’s southeastern slopes. The trail continues into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, leading to Karanga Campsite. This short day is designed for acclimatization.

Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp - Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft, Distance: 4 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the trek leaves Karanga campsite and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Day 5 of the 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame route continues to Barafu Camp. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Here, trekkers make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi

Approx. time taken: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Barafu Camp - Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Time: 7-8 hrs ascent, 4-6 hrs descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trek to the summit begins early in the morning (between midnight and 2:00 am), heading between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route travels northwest, ascending steep scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the hike, both physically and mentally. A break at Stella Point (18,600 ft) offers a chance to witness a spectacular sunrise, weather permitting. From Stella Point, it is a 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Fast hikers may see the sunrise from the peak. The descent from the summit goes straight down to Mweka Camp, with a pause at Barafu for lunch. The final meal on the mountain is enjoyed in the evening before a well-deserved rest.
Distance covered: 16.4km / 9.6mi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, the final day of the 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame route involves descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, the path can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are usually sufficient, but rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy.

From the gate, the trek continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet trekkers at Mweka Village to drive them back to the hotel in Moshi. This marks the end of the 7-day Kilimanjaro hiking/climbing/trekking via the Machame route.

Distance covered: 9.1km / 7.5miles

Approx. time taken: 3 hours

• Professional climbing crew (porters, camp masters, cooks)
• High-quality branded group equipment (dining tent, sleeping pads, table, chairs, crockery & cutlery)
• Drop off at the hotel you booked in Moshi town from Mweka gate after Trek
• Briefing
• Camping equipment (quality tents and sleeping mattress)
• Trekking certificate
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking
• Health and clean drinking water during the hiking
• Pick up from the hotel you booked in Moshi town to Machame Gate
• Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal and other meal plans available

• All Mount Kilimanjaro Park Fees ( All fees can be paid direct to the park or via Tour operator)
• Pick up and Drop off from Kilimanjaro Airport
• Tips to mountain crew
• Flight ( Domestic & International )
• Hotel Accommodations costs
• Personal hiking gears
• Pickup from Arusha to Moshi is available at an additional cost

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Our 7-Day Machame Route Mountain Climbing Group Tour provides an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro experience that is both scenic and challenging. The 7-day itinerary enhances acclimatization and offers stunning views, making it an ideal choice for those climbing in groups of any size.

Whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with a group, join our popular and economical 7-day Machame Route group tour for a guided, scenic Mount Kilimanjaro adventure, creating lasting memories at Africa’s highest peak.

Our guided 7-day Machame Route group climbing tour features a flexible daily schedule, delivering the most organized and expertly guided group climbing tours departing from Moshi, Arusha, Karatu, Mwanza, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.