7-Day Machame Route Trek
The Machame Route is one of the most popular Kilimanjaro climbs and is often chosen by trekkers who want dramatic scenery, camping on the mountain, and a route with good acclimatization flow. The official route guide presents it as a 6 or 7 day camping trek on the southern side and describes it as especially scenic, though more demanding than Marangu.Â
Day by day highlights
- Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
THE BUDGET:
Price is an estimate only and is dependant on group size, age of children, time of year and your choice of camps.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Begin your climb through lush rainforest, where the trail feels green, humid, and alive with mountain atmosphere. This first day is a steady introduction to the trek and ends at Machame Camp, where you settle in for your first night on the mountain. The official route guide places the first overnight at Machame Camp after the forest approach.Â
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today you leave the forest behind and enter moorland, with broader views and a more open mountain landscape. The route climbs steadily toward the Shira Plateau, where the terrain begins to feel wilder and more dramatic. By evening, you arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and overnight.Â
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is an important acclimatization day as you climb higher toward Lava Tower before descending again to sleep lower at Barranco. The day brings changing scenery, thinner air, and some of the route’s most impressive mountain views. Overnight is at Barranco Camp.Â
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, one of the route’s most memorable sections. Once above it, the trail becomes more gradual as you continue toward Karanga Camp. This shorter day helps with acclimatization and gives the body time to adjust.Â
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue across alpine terrain toward Barafu Camp, your base for summit night. The landscape is sparse and rugged now, and the summit feels much closer. After arriving, you rest, eat early, and prepare for the night ascent.Â
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
You begin around midnight and climb slowly toward Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After celebrating at the top, descend back past Barafu and continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.Â
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through forest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you receive your certificate and meet your transfer team. This is the closing stretch of a rewarding, scenic, and classic Kilimanjaro adventure.Â
Package Excludes
Park fees, rescue fee, and required government charges
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
Meals and drinking water during the trek
Camping equipment or hut accommodation depending on the route
Transfers between the hotel and park gate
Emergency oxygen and daily health monitoring
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Summit certificate for successful climbers
Package Includes
International and domestic flights
Visa and travel insurance
Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Hotel accommodation before and after the trek unless stated
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Optional items such as portable toilet and gear rental
Medical expenses and any extra evacuation costs
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