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7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
Machame Route

Conquer Uhuru Peak on a 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the scenic Machame Route. Includes expert guides, full board, park fees, and safety equipment. Your dream summit awaits.

This challenging 7-day guided ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame Route ensures proper acclimatization for the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

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  • The Challenge: The Machame Route ("Whiskey Route") is a challenging but incredibly scenic path. It requires a good level of fitness, determination, and mental fortitude, especially on summit night. The 7-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization.
  • Success Rates: The 7-day Machame route has a higher success rate than the shorter 6-day version due to the added acclimatization day.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a comprehensive briefing and equipment check. Rent any missing gear this day.

  • Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,830m) to Machame Camp (3,050m)

After breakfast, drive to the Machame Gate. Begin your trek through the magnificent montane rainforest. The trail can be muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

  • Elevation Gain: +1,220m / +4,000ft

  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

  • Distance: 11 km / 7 miles

  • Habitat: Rainforest

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,850m)

Leave the rainforest glades and ascend onto a steep rocky ridge. The path turns west into a river gorge until you reach the Shira Plateau, with its stunning views.

  • Elevation Gain: +800m / +2,600ft

  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

  • Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

  • Habitat: Moorland

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,650m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

A key day for acclimatization. Hike east up a ridge towards Lava Tower ("Shark's Tooth"). Then descend into the Great Barranco Valley, sheltered by the imposing Barranco Wall.

  • Elevation: 3,850m to 4,650m to 3,960m

  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

  • Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

  • Habitat: Semi-Desert

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,050m)

A steep climb up the formidable Barranco Wall is rewarded with fantastic photo opportunities and a view of the summit. Then, you descend into the Karanga Valley before a short climb to Karanga Camp.

  • Elevation Gain: +90m / +300ft (net)

  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  • Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,670m)

A short but steep climb up a rocky path to the barren, lunar-like landscape of Barafu Camp ("Ice Camp"). This is your summit base camp. Rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for your midnight summit ascent.

  • Elevation Gain: +620m / +2,030ft

  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  • Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Summit Day! Barafu Camp (4,670m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The most challenging and rewarding day. Start around midnight, ascending steep scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise, then continue along the crater rim for another hour to UHURU PEAK, the highest point in Africa! Descend to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.

  • Elevation Gain: +1,225m / +4,020ft to summit

  • Elevation Loss: -2,795m / -9,170ft total descent

  • Hiking Time: 12-16 hours total

  • Distance: 18 km / 11 miles total

  • Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert / Moorland

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) to Moshi

After a final breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your official summit certificate (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point). Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration!

  • Elevation Loss: -1,460m / -4,790ft

  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  • Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

  • Habitat: Rainforest

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, filled with lifelong memories.

Details

Included in the Price:

  • All transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 night before, 1 night after climb) on B&B basis
  • All park entry, camping, and rescue fees
  • All camping gear (tents, mess tent, toilet tent, sleeping pads)
  • Meals: Full Board on the mountain (3 hearty meals daily)
  • Boiled and purified drinking water
  • Oxygen cylinder & Oximeter for safety monitoring
  • English-speaking Wilderness First Responder certified guide
  • Salaries for guide, chef, and porters
  • Personal summit certificate
  • First Aid & Injury prevention kits

Not Included:

  • International flights

  • Tanzania Visa fee (approx. $50 for most nationalities, obtainable on arrival)

  • Tips for crew (see guideline below)

  • Personal trekking gear (see packing list)

  • Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

Country Information Sheet: Tanzania | Home of the Roof of Africa

Key Facts

  • Population: 63 million people.
  • Languages: Swahili (official and national language), English (official, widely spoken in business and tourism).
  • Geography: Incredibly diverse, featuring Africa’s highest peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro), the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the tropical islands of Zanzibar, all bordered by the Indian Ocean.
  •  

Climate

  • Highly Variable by Altitude: You will pass through multiple climate zones, from hot and humid rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit.
  • Rainforest (Day 1-2): Warm, humid, with potential rain.
  • Heath/Moorland (Day 3): Cooler temperatures with possible mist and wind.
  • Alpine Desert (Day 4-6): Large temperature swings; hot and sunny during the day, freezing at night.
  • Arctic Summit (Day 7): Well below freezing, with strong winds and potential snow.
  •  

Visas

  • A visa is required for most international travelers. It can be obtained on arrival at the airport or online as an e-Visa. Cost is typically $50-$100 for a single-entry tourist visa.

  • Check requirements via the Tanzania Immigration Department.

     

Health

  • Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
  • Malaria: Present in Tanzania. Prophylaxis is recommended for your time in Moshi/Arusha before and after the climb.
  • Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Consult a travel clinic.
  •  

Currency

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially for tipping and paying for visas. Bring new, unblemished USD bills (dated 2009 or later) for best exchange rates.

Packing List

  • Essential Gear: waterproof hiking boots, sleeping bag (-10°C rating), duffel bag, daypack, headlamp, trekking poles, insulated water bottles/hydration bladder.
  • Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof jacket & trousers, warm hat, gloves, buff, gaiters.
  • Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit, camera, energy snacks.

Gratuities

Tipping is customary and a significant part of the crew’s income. We recommend:

  • Head Guide: $25-30 per day
  • Assistant Guide: $20-25 per day
  • Cook: $15-20 per day
  • Porter: $8-10 per porter per day

Tips are given as a group at the end of the trek in USD cash.


Travel Insurance

  • You MUST have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters and emergency medical evacuation. This is a non-negotiable requirement for this trek.
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