7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking - Machame Route
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
- ✅ This is a budget camping trip it includes overnight stay at tents.
- ✅ On this tour, you'll be part of a group of fellow travelers. Each group can have up to 20 people.
- ✅ This tour can begin any day, based on availability.
- ✅ For individual travelers, they are welcome to join this group tour, but it only operates if at least two people sign up.
- Any additional accommodation can be booked before or after the tour at an extra cost.
Day
Accommodation
Meals Included
8: Depature and no accommodation on this day!
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
Pick up from your hotel in Arusha Transfer to Machame Gate (1,800m.) and follow a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking].
Main destination: Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro) | Accommodation: Machame Camp (2,835m)
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
A shorter day begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Shira Camp (3,850m)
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch, near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m.), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views to reach Mweka Junction (4,150 m.). We then climb steadily to reach 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 is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [4-5 hours walking].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
- 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
The journey to the summit of a mountain is a remarkable experience that begins under the cover of darkness, guided by the faint glow of torchlight. As climbers ascend the rugged terrain, the path becomes a series of zig-zags through volcanic scree, a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Reaching Stella Point in time to witness the sunrise is a moment of awe, offering a brief respite before the final push to Uhuru Peak. The descent, though rapid, is a time to reflect on the accomplishment and the majestic natural beauty that, despite exhaustion, leaves a lasting impression on those who undertake this adventure.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Your Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through a lovely tropical forest alive with birds’ songs and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where our vehicle awaits to transfer you to your hotel.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Things to Note
✅ Prices are per person and do not include any extra items or costs that are not mentioned on the day by itinerary to or from your home country.
✅ This tour welcomes children aged 1 year and older. There is no charge for children under 6 years old.
| Start dates | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Machame Route | $3900 | $3050 | $2782 | $2735 | $2670 | $2555 | $2480 |
Cost Includes
- Park Fees – All entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
- Accommodation – 4 nights in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
- Meals & Drinks – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Professional Mountain Guides & Porters – English-speaking, certified guides and a team of porters to carry luggage and equipment
- Transportation – Round-trip transfers from your hotel to Marangu Gate and back to Moshi/Arusha
- Emergency Oxygen – Available in case of altitude sickness or breathing issues
- First Aid Kit – Provided by the guides for minor injuries and medical concerns
- Summit Certificate – Official certificate for climbers who reach the summit
- Mountain Equipment – High-altitude food, trekking poles, and required safety gear
- Climbing Permit – Kilimanjaro National Park climbing permits
- Rescue Team – Emergency rescue services on standby
- Environmental Fees – For conservation and maintenance of the Kilimanjaro National Park
- Pre-climb Briefing – Orientation session about the climb, safety tips, and what to expect
Cost excludes
- Personal Gear: sleeping bag, warm clothes, hiking boots, gaiters, trekking poles, rain jacket, etc.
- Flights: International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel Insurance: Required for the climb (covering emergency medical, evacuation, and high-altitude trekking)
- Visa Fees: Tourist visa for entry to Tanzania (if applicable)
- Tips for Guides & Porters: Recommended tipping is $200-$250 per climber for the entire team
- Extra Accommodation: Hotel nights before or after the climb (can be arranged separately)
- Personal Expenses: souvenirs, extra snacks, bottled drinks, and other personal items
- Drinks: soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages not included in meals
- Medical Care: Any medical services required during or after the trek
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of early descent or emergencies (usually covered by insurance),
- Optional Extra Activities: Such as a trip to a hot spring or safari (available upon request)
- Laundry Services: Laundry at huts or hotels
- Hotel or Transport Extensions: Additional nights before or after the trek
- Porter Tips: Porter tips should be given directly at the end of the trek
- Internet/Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but not on the mountain.
