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Machame Route
The 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route offers a more gradual and well-paced ascent, providing extra time for acclimatization and allowing trekkers to enjoy the diverse ecosystems of the mountain. Starting at Machame Gate, climbers pass through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the summit. The route follows the "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which improves summit success rates. The additional acclimatization day enhances comfort and increases the likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Machame Route
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Days
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Nights
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Parks
Itinerary
Cost
Additional Info
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary: Machame Route – 7 Days
Day 1
The climb begins at Machame Gate (1,800 m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest, which is the richest forested area on the mountain and the source of 96% of Kilimanjaro’s water. On sunny days, particularly during the dry season, this section is lush and beautiful; however, it can become muddy after rain. We will have lunch at Halfway Clearing, a small clearing in the trees, before continuing our steady ascent. As the gradient eases, the forest gradually transitions to giant heather near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m). If the evening clouds allow, we may catch our first glimpse of the glaciated dome of Kibo. [6-8 hours walking]
Day 2
This shorter day begins with a steep climb to a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock, where we will enjoy excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau. It serves as a great rest point! The trail then continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau, where we will camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m). This area offers some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, with close proximity to the enormous volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of the Shira Plateau, and a view of Mt. Meru floating above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 3
We will enjoy a gentle ascent with panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind as we walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m), we will descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and offering extensive views of the plains below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 4
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, providing superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain shifts to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered areas. We will then make our way to Karanga (4,000 m), the last water point before Barafu, located in a narrow valley. There will be ample time to rest or embark on a short acclimatization walk in the afternoon above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 5
We begin with a short but steep climb out of Karanga, followed by an easy path on compacted scree that offers wide views as we reach Mweka Junction (4,150 m). From there, we climb steadily to the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) and continue to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East Valley (4,800 m). The remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, followed by an early night. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 6
Our ascent starts by torchlight around 1 a.m. to ensure we reach the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree features well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m) in about five to six hours. We will take a short break to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. For those still feeling strong, there’s an option to make the two-hour round trip along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that dominate the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly quick, and after some refreshment, we will continue our descent to reach our final campsite at Millennium (3,800 m). Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. [11-15 hours walking]
Day 7
We will descend on a well-constructed path through a beautiful tropical forest filled with birdsong and lush undergrowth of considerable botanical interest. Our route will wind down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m), where we will sign out from the national park. Afterward, we’ll walk for an additional 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where our vehicle will be waiting. The shower, a cold drink, and the swimming pool are tantalizingly close! [4-6 hours walking]
Cost
Price Per Person in US Dollars
$2,900 per person for solo trekkers
$2,600 per person for two people trekking together
$2,500 per person for three people trekking together
$2,400 per person for four people trekking together
$2,300 per person for five people trekking together
$2,200 per person for six or more people trekking together
Additional Info
What’s Included
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- 3 nights in a boutique beach hotel
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Stone Town, spice plantation, and Jozani Forest tours
- All transfers and guide services
- Mountain tent and mattress
- Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and chef
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Water, tea, and coffee with meals
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
- Travel Insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters, and cook
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages16