Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our 7 days Kilimanjaro climb via the renowned Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Africa's highest peak. This carefully planned itinerary allows you to ascend Kilimanjaro at a steady pace, giving you ample time to acclimatize and enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way.
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, dense rainforests, and alpine meadows. Starting from the Machame Gate, you will trek through five distinct climate zones, each with its own unique charm, from the lush rainforests to the rugged, barren summit.
Over the course of 7 days, your expert guides and porters will lead you through the challenging yet rewarding terrain, ensuring your safety and comfort every step of the way. Reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, with a sense of accomplishment, as you take in the breathtaking views and celebrate your success.
This 7 days Kilimanjaro climb on the Machame Route is perfect for those seeking a challenging and immersive adventure. Book your climb today and take the first step towards reaching the roof of Africa!
The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
•Route: Kilimanjaro Machame Route - 7 Days
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
We understand that planning your perfect safari is a big decision, and we’re here to make it easy. Feel free to request a personalized, no-obligation quote tailored to your preferences. Rest assured, requesting a quote does not commit you to booking the tour—it's simply a way for us to help you explore your options and ensure your safari experience is everything you dream it to be.
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To book your adventure, simply send us an email detailing your desired experience—whether it's climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, going on a Tanzania safari, or enjoying the Zanzibar beach.
We'll promptly respond with all the information you need to finalize your plans. Plus, we offer the convenience of online payment to make the process even smoother.
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