7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
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Tour Overview
The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is a popular hiking adventure that takes you to the summit of the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and challenging trails, known for its diverse landscapes and stunning views. The trek typically begins in the lush rainforest and progresses to the alpine desert, passing through different ecological zones along the way. The trek lasts for 7 days, with each day involving an average of 6 to 7 hours of hiking. The climb to the summit is a grueling challenge, but the breathtaking views from the top make it all worth it. The Machame Route is suitable for experienced hikers who are physically fit and prepared for high altitude trekking.
Tour Itinerary
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
- Distance: 11 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Machame Camp
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
- Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-7 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization..
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Lava Tower
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization..
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,107 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
- Elevation: 13,107 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Uhuru Peak
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation: Mweka Gate
Includes
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Government taxes
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Stethoscope
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
- Mountain climbing certificates
Excludes
- Flights (International)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals while in Hotel
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
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