Compare 7-day Machame tours & realize an 85% Kilimanjaro summit guarantee when you hike this 7 day Machame route itinerary. This especially applies if you’re under 30 years of age and have no experience hiking at high altitudes.
This 7 Day Machame Route Itinerary is relatively straightforward and is brazenly reflected in the route’s popularity. Though there’s very little criticism regarding this route, there’s one simple drawback: the trail welcomes a high number of trekkers during peak season. This may occasionally interfere with your hike however, there’s a simple workaround. To avoid heaps of crowds you’ll have to leave camp early in order to beat everyone to the trails.
If this is your first-time hiking at high elevations (above 3,000m/9,900ft), you should know that the most effective way to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is to properly acclimatize during your hike. Long and gradual routes like the 7-day Machame route are perfect for acclimatization systems to be utilized. See, on Kilimanjaro, there are 2 systems that prevent altitude sickness:
- The first method, Pole Pole (Slow-Slow in English), requires you to be on the mountain long enough for your body to acclimate to various altitudes.
- The second method, Trek-High & Sleep-Low, calls for trails to have gradual inclines in order for you to trek to high elevations and sleep at lower altitudes. This method conditions your body to anticipate elevation changes while helping you adjust during your sleep.
Unless you find yourself between the ages of 12 and 29, you should seriously consider trekking Lemosho route’s 8-day variation. This will give you ample time to adjust to elevation changes and will make for a much better hiking experience. The 8-day Lemosho program, unlike the 7-day Machame hike, performs extremely well with hikers that are under 40 years of age.
Machame’s Highlights
Best Time To Hike Machame Route
Dietary Food Preferences Served On Machame
All of your meals on Kilimanjaro are freshly cooked by excellent chefs and served according to your dietary preference.
Safety Material & Equipment
High-Altitude Kits
Medication & Sanitary Treatments
Wraps, Splints & Wound Coverings
Tools & Supplies
Evacuation Protocol On Machame Route
Meeting Point
Departure Time
10:00 AM
Machame Route’s Park Fees
| Kilimanjaro National Park fees | |
| Conservation Fees | $70/Per Day |
| Camping Fees | $50/Per Night |
| Rescue Fees | $20/Per Hiker |
| Guide and Porter Entrance Fees | $2/Per Supporting Crew |
| Tourism Value Added Tax (VAT) | 18% |
| Retail Value Added Tax (VAT) | 18% |
| Total | $1,144.56 |
Machame Route’s 7 Day Packages & Inclusions
Open Group Treks
Save Costs Hiking Machame Route’s 7 Day Tour With A Kilimanjaro Group. Package includes:
1,998
Private Treks
Get Kilimanjaro Privacy & Flexibility Hiking This 7 Day Machame Private Tour. Package includes:
2,550
Packages Exclude
Payment Process
Paying For Group Hikes
Paying For Private Hikes
7 Days Machame Route Itinerary
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL
All trekkers will have to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and apply for their own visas through the online immigration portal. Visa guidelines are also available on the official immigration website.
Note, if you’re arriving from a country subject to yellow fever, you will be required to show proof of vaccination. A 72-hour PCR test is required for entry.
A transfer will be arranged to drop off you and your luggage at the hotel to unwind from your travels. Briefing will take place in the evening or early morning.
DAY 2 — MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
The drive from Moshi town to the Machame Gates is approximately 50 minutes. The short journey goes through the village of Machame. The village is located at the bottom slopes of the mountain.
After registrations, you leave the gate and head towards a dense rain forest before arriving at the Machame camp.
DAY 3 — MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
In the morning, you’ll leave the forest and March up a steep, rocky ridge.
Once at the Shira Plateau, there’ll be open moorlands and a large river gorge to cross before retiring at Shira camp.
DAY 4 — SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER
You’ll continue east up a ridge and then southeast towards the 300ft volcanic rock formation. This is knows as Lava Tower.
LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
After, you’ll descend down to an altitude of 13,000ft by Barranco Camp.
DAY 5 — BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
You’ll begin the day by descending down a ravine and toward the base of the Barranco wall. As you break through, you’ll maneuver up a steep 900ft cliff.
Here, you’ll cross a series of hills and valleys as you sharply descending down to Karanga Camp.
This day is designed for proper acclimatization.
DAY 6 — KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
After breakfast, you’ll hit the trails crossing the junction descending down to Mweka Gate before resuming up the rocky interval leading to Barafu Hut.
This is a strong indication that you’ve made it past the southern circuit. This point offers views of the summit from many angles.
You’ll rest and dine here as you prepare for the summit day.
DAY 7 — BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK
Around midnight, you’ll begin your push toward the summit.
You’re required to be mentally and physically keen as this will be the most challenging section of your trek.
Expect extreme wind and cold weather as you ascend in darkness for several hours.
You’ll have frequent breaks along the path past Stella Point before arriving at your summit at Uhuru Peak.
UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Once you make your way to the highest point of the mountain, you’ll be guided down to Mweka Hut after having your lunch at Barafu.
DAY 8 — MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Your last day on the mountain will be awarded with a certificate at Mweka Gate.
Once at the gate, you’ll continue down Mweka village before arriving at a vehicle that will transport you back to Moshi town.
DAY 9 — DEPARTURE/TRANSITION
If you have booked a Wildlife Safari or Zanzibar Beach Holiday package with us, you’ll be transferred to the next chapter of your journey. If you have not booked an additional trip with XPATS International, you’ll be transferred to the airport.
Accommodations
Pre & Post Hike Accommodations
Machame Route Accommodations
Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route Map
Chat with John
More Fun Activities In Tanzania
Get Access To More Kilimanjaro Programs
Compare 8 different hiking programs for your Kilimanjaro trek.
Experience Wildlife Fun With These Multi-Day Tanzania Safaris
Compare 10 different wildlife safari packages that are a great add-on to your Kilimanjaro trek.
Get Up To 7 Days Of Relaxation With These Zanzibar Holiday Programs
Experience tropical fun and rest with these all-inclusive Zanzibar tours & holiday packages
Related topics to understand:
