7-Day Machame Route - Kilimanjaro Trekking / Standard Package
- Kilimanjaro
OVERVIEW OF THE MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame Route is a favorite among those climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and about half of all trekkers choose this path. It’s known for its stunning views and variety of landscapes. Although it’s a challenging route, it doesn’t require any technical climbing skills. Climbers will face obstacles like the Barranco Wall on day four and a steep climb to Kibo on the night of the summit. The route covers about 62 kilometers from start to finish and can be completed in either six or seven days. Both options include a day to help trekkers adjust to the altitude by climbing higher during the day and sleeping lower at night.
ITINERARY STANDARD PACKAGE 7-DAY MACHAME ROUTE
On your first day, you’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. A friendly person from Refresh Africa Tours will meet you, help with your bags, and take you to the hotel in Arusha.
The hotel is located in the center of Arusha, near beautiful places like Arusha National Park. It’s peaceful, has lovely gardens, and offers things like a pool, free morning nature walk, and spa to make you comfortable.
After your trip, you can relax and enjoy the amazing view of Mount Meru from the hotel’s terrace. Get ready for an incredible adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro with Refresh Africa Tours!
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST PLAN
Elevation: 1,640 meters > 2,835 meters (5,381ft >9,301ft) Distance: ~11km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours Zone: Rainforest
Accommodation: Machame Camp
After breakfast, you’ll head to Machame village at the base of the mountain, where your climb will begin. The hike through the forest will take about 6 hours, and along the way, you’ll see unique Kilimanjaro plants like impatiens flowers and camphor trees.
You’ll also come across beautiful waterfalls, streams, and thick forests that are home to many animals. You might spot birds, Colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys playing in the trees. As you climb higher, you’ll see amazing views of the plains below and the mountain peaks in the distance.
After 5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Machame camp. You’ll have dinner here and spend the night at 3000 meters (9880 feet).
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
Elevation: 2,835 meters > 3,850 meters (9,301 ft > 12,631 ft) Distance: ~5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 4-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone Accommodation: Shira Camp 2
Wake up early at 5:30 am and enjoy a hot drink while you get your bags ready before breakfast. After eating, you’ll start hiking and leave the forest behind. The landscape changes to heath and moorland, showing the amazing shifts in Kilimanjaro’s climate. The hike today will take about 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll stop for lunch at Shira Camp.
Shira Camp is in the heather zone, where you’ll see tall shrubs, bearded heather, volcanic rocks, and streams. You’ll also find special plants like the giant groundsels and giant lobelia that only grow here. At the Shira Plateau, which is a rocky area with incredible views, you’ll experience the raw beauty of Kilimanjaro. You’ll have lunch, dinner, and spend the night at Shira Camp, located at 3800 meters (12500 feet).
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
Elevation: 3,850 meters > 4,600 meters > 3,900 meters (12,631ft
>15,092ft >12,795ft)
Distance: ~11km / 7 miles Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Wake up to the stunning views at Shira Camp, a campsite with a wide view of the mountains. Today, you’ll hike through the moorland zone into the alpine desert, heading up to Lava Tower at 4600 meters (15000 feet) for lunch and to adjust to the high altitude. You’ll spend about 1 to 2 hours there before hiking back down to Baranco Camp.
Baranco Camp is surrounded by cliffs and greenery, offering amazing views of the landscape and valleys. The 5 to 7 hours of hiking will take you through different terrains, with unique rocks, lovely streams, and incredible sights along the way.
After your hike, enjoy dinner and spend the night at Baranco Camp, which is at 3900 meters (13000 feet).
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
Elevation: 3,900 meters > 3,960 meters > 4,680 meters (12,795ft
>15,354ft)
Distance: ~9.5km / 6 miles Trekking time: 8-10 hours Zone: High alpine zone Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day six on the Machame Route starts with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires simple climbing skills. Once at the top, the path continues through ups and downs to Karanga Camp, which is at 3960 meters.
If you’re on a six-day trek, you’ll stop at Karanga Camp for lunch before hiking along the Southern Circuit to Barafu Camp at 4680 meters. This hike takes about 8 to 10 hours and covers 9.5 kilometers (6 miles). You’ll arrive at Barafu in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest as your summit climb begins at midnight.
For trekkers on the seven-day route, you’ll spend the night at Karanga Camp before heading to Barafu. This extra day is helpful for getting used to the altitude.
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
Elevation: 4,680 meters > 5,895 meters > 3,100 meters (15,354ft
>19,341ft > 10,171ft)
Distance: ~4.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 11km / 7-mile descent Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Mweka Zone: Glacial zone and the all-preceding zones
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
On summit night, you’ll wake at 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits. At midnight, start your steep and slow climb up Kibo, focusing on steady steps. After 6–8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point at 5739 meters. From there, it’s another 156 meters to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point at 5895 meters. Rest briefly at Stella Point before pushing for the summit. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.
After reaching the top, you’ll begin the 11 km (7 mile) descent to Mweka Camp at 3100 meters. The downhill trek can be tough on your joints, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. Mweka Camp offers fresh, oxygen-rich air for a restful night.
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
Elevation: 3,100 meters > 1,640 meters (10,171 ft > 5,381 ft) Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-5 hours Zone: Rainforest
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
The final day of the Machame Route is here! You’ll trek through the rainforest slopes to Mweka Gate at 1640 meters. The 9 km (5.5 miles) hike is pleasant and takes about 3 to 4 hours. If you reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak, you’ll receive certificates—green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Don’t forget to tip your trekking crew before heading back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)
On the last day, after breakfast or lunch at your hotel Arusha/Moshi, one of the team members will accompany you as you are transferred to the airport.
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST PLAN
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost and upon request.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A STANDARD PACKAGE | 7-DAY MACHAME ROUTE
- All transfers are as per the itinerary and government expenses.
- One night accommodation at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- All Kilimanjaro Park fees.
- Trained guides in altitude physiology and wilderness first responder (WFR).
- Top-quality food for the duration of the climb, considering maximum nutritional needs. Three meals a day.
- Safety equipment, including an oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC) for the entire climb. Camping equipment, including top-quality mountain tents and standard bathroom facilities.
- Safety communication, such as satellite phones and cell phones.
- Flying Doctors Evacuation within the area.
- Day room on the last day at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- Mattresses, and tents.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN A STANDARD PACKAGE | 7-DAY MACHAME ROUTE
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
- Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental, etc.
- Any charges resulting from an early descent, such as additional hotels, transfers, etc. (This applies if a guest descends before finishing the climb.)
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Best Price Guaranteed
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Professional Local Guides
- Customized Itineraries
- Budget-Friendly Trips
- Trusted & Legal Certified Co.
- Easy Booking Process
Need help with booking? Send Us A Message
TRIP Highlights
- Medium tents
- Portable toilets
- Mess tent
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Hot water bottles
- Higher summit success rate
Book this TRIP
RECENT POSTS
Our Recommendation