KILIMANJARO

MACHAME ROUTE - 7 DAYS

The Machame route on Kilimanjaro is a perfect all rounder, and no wonder it’s the most popular!

Trip Overview

The Machame Route is a perfect compromise for those who don’t have the time for an 8 day ascent. It is justifiably the most popular route on the mountain, and for good reason. With a 7 day ascent, you have a great chance of acclimatising, whilst passing through the unique environment at each altitude.

Accommodation & Service

Pre & Post climb accommodation :

We work with a number of beautiful lodges and hotels around Kilimanjaro to make sure that the experience is a high standard throughout.

On the mountain we offer three levels of service: Lightline, Highline and Skyline. We can say with confidence that our Lightline offering is better equipped than 90% of other expeditions on the mountain. Our Highline climb includes several refinements to enhance the comfort, and our Skyline spec is the only service of it’s kind. Safety remains the key focus regardless of specification chosen. 

Lightline: 

A high quality 3 person mountain tent is provided, but for a maximum of 2 occupants, with a foam pad to sleep on. Dining tent with lightweight table and stalls, toilet tent, and transfers in private buses.

Highline:

A large mess tent is provided for dining, with high-backed chairs. A larger sleeping tent with a 3 inch foam mattress, pillow and -18 Celcius rated sleeping bag with liner. There is a private portable toilet. 3 course evening meals and fresh pressed coffee available. Transfers in private 4x4 safari vehicles.

Skyline: 

With our Skyline specification the team will be sure to be staying in the best accommodation on the mountain. You will be sleeping in a large standing height tent, with full size sleeping cot, 3 inch foam mattress, pillow and -18 celsius sleeping bag for the best nights sleep. Private toilet and shower tents will also be provided. 

A large mess tent is provided for dining and socialising which has comfortable backed chairs and large tables for enjoying the 3 course meals in comfort. Tea & Pressed coffee available. Transfers in private 4x4 safari vehicles.

We offer every route on Kilimanjaro, including the Machame, Rongai, Lemosho and technical Western breach. Please contact us for details.

The Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive Tanzania to be transferred to accommodation for briefing and day at leisure. 

Day 2: Park Gate to Machame Camp (10,071ft / 3,000m)
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel at approximately 8:00 AM for the Machame village where you begin the trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. Depending on your pace, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. 

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (12,500ft/ 3850m)
Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. (6 hours). 

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (12,675ft, 3,900m)
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you stop to have lunch. This is an important acclimatisation day which allows your body to get used to the thinner air. 

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (13,300ft / 4,050m)
After breakfast, your first challenge is to climb the Barranco Wall, which will have looked impenetrable on the approach, but don’t worry, it’s not as hard or as steep as it looks! You’ll be on top of the 200m wall in no time, and will then continue eastwards to the Karanga Camp (4 to 5 hours). 

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (15,090ft / 4,650m)
From Karanga Camp a 3-hour walk takes you to Barafu Camp from where you will make your summit attempt. After an early supper you will go to bed with palpable excitement and apprehension, ready for the 11pm wake up call. (3hours). 

Day 7: Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft / 5,896m) to Mweka Camp (10,171ft/3,100m)

You will leave camp around Midnight to climb through the darkness. You should reach the Crater Rim around 6am, watching the sky over your right shoulder turn through amazing shades of orange to deep blue. Shortly the large green sign will appear in your line of sight, and energised by seeing the summit you can huddle together on top to take photos, and enjoy the spectacular views from the “Roof of Africa”, before descending to Mweka Camp for the evening. 

Day 8: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Arusha.
In the morning, you’ll take the easy walk down to Mweka Gate. At the Park Gate you will say goodbye to your porters and tip them in return for all of their help throughout the expedition. You will be transferred back to your accommodation, for a well earned celebration dinner followed by a great night’s sleep, or onwards for flights home. 

Included: 

Trained Kilimanjaro Guides

All relevant Park fees & rescue fees 

Emergency medical evacuation to KCMC/ Arusha

Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters

All accommodation and meals as described in final itinerary 

Transfers as described in final itinerary 

Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)

Excluded:

International flights 

Entry visas 

Items of a personal nature 

Alterations to this itinerary 

Airport departure taxes (unless stated) 

Laundry 

Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle) 

Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency 

Tips

More Information

We are proud to be partnered with The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project & International Mountain Explorers Connection.

Book with us today!