7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trekking

This package delivers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route, starting with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a delicious meal and a detailed pre-trekking briefing from our expert coordinators will prepare you for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. The adventure begins with a transfer from Moshi to Machame Camp, guiding you through the vibrant rainforest and ascending to higher altitudes. Each day of the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route introduces new landscapes, from the moorlands of Shira Camp to the rugged terrain near Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. Our dedicated team ensures your comfort and safety, allowing ample time for acclimatization and enjoyment of Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking scenery.

The pinnacle of the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route is the ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, where the exhilaration of summiting awaits. Following this triumph, the descent takes you back through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, concluding with a relaxing stay at Springlands Hotel. For those eager to extend their journey, options include a thrilling Tanzanian safari or a serene escape to Zanzibar’s beaches. This Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route package is crafted to blend the physical challenge of the climb with opportunities to relax and explore Tanzania’s natural wonders, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded adventure.

What's Included

What's Not Included

Day 1

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi Town

After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the trekking team and transferred by vehicle (approximately 1 hour) to Springlands Hotel in Moshi (~900m). At the hotel, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and attend a pre-trekking briefing from experienced coordinators to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. You can relax, explore the vibrant town of Moshi, and enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). In the evening, rest early to recharge for the trek ahead.

Day Activities.
Transfer From Jro Airport
Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the airport
Vibrant local markets and street life in Moshi town
Lush greenery and coffee plantations en route
Enjoy a delicious welcome meal at the hotel.
Cultural glimpses of Chagga communities near Moshi
Attend a pre-trekking briefing for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route.

Day 2

Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Springlands Hotel, you’ll travel 1 hour by vehicle to Machame Gate (1,800m). At Machame Gate, you’ll register before embarking on a 5-7 hour trek through lush rainforest trails to Machame Camp (3,000m) for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. Upon arrival, porters will set up tents, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 900 m (Moshi) – 1,800 m (Machame Gate) – 3,000 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Day Activities.
Attend a briefing from your guide
Transfer by vehicle (~40 km, 1 hour) to Machame Gate.
Complete registration formalities at Machame Gate.
Trek 11 km through rainforest, spotting flora and possibly colobus monkeys.
Rest and acclimatize in the forest surroundings.

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Day 3

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Machame Camp, you’ll embark on a 4-6 hour trek through the rainforest and into the moorland zone to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. The trail offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau. Upon arrival, porters will set up tents, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 3,000 m – 3,850 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp.
Trek 5 km through rainforest and moorland to Shira 2 Camp.
Admire views of the Shira Plateau and Kilimanjaro’s slopes.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and relax as porters set up tents.
Savor a freshly prepared lunch by the chef.
Attend an evening briefing for the next day’s trek.
Rest and acclimatize, enjoying the open plateau views.

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Day 4

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Shira 2 Camp, you’ll trek 6-8 hours through the alpine desert zone to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,900m) during the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. The trail offers dramatic views of Kilimanjaro and the Barranco Valley. Upon arrival, porters will set up tents, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 3,850 m – 4,600 m (Lava Tower) – 3,900 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Shira 2 Camp.
Trek 10 km to Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp.
Admire panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
Experience acclimatization at Lava Tower with stunning mountain views.
Arrive at Barranco Camp and relax as porters set up tents
Rest and acclimatize while exploring the scenic surroundings
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the next day’s trek.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Barranco Camp, you’ll trek 4-5 hours, starting with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route, followed by rolling hills to Karanga Camp (4,000m). Upon arrival, porters will set up tents, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 3,900 m – 4,000 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Barranco Camp.
Trek 5 km, climbing the Barranco Wall and crossing valleys.
Take in views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers.
Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley.
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the next day’s trek.

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Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Karanga Camp, you’ll trek 4-5 hours through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,670m), the base for the summit attempt on the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. Upon arrival, porters will set up tents, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you’ll rest to prepare for the summit push. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s summit ascent.

Altitude: 4,000 m – 4,670 m
Hiking distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Karanga Camp.
Trek 6-7 hours from Barranco Campsite to Barafu Campsite, starting with the Barranco Wall climb.
Trek 4 km through alpine desert to Barafu Camp.
Enjoy views of rugged terrain and distant peaks.
Arrive at Barafu Camp and relax as porters set up tents.
Traverse the alpine desert zone with rugged terrain.
Rest and acclimatize for the summit push.
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the summit push.

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Day 7.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descent to Mweka Gate, and Transfer to Moshi

After a midnight wake-up and light breakfast at Barafu Camp, you’ll trek 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the summit of the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend 2-3 hours to Barafu Camp for a rest and lunch, then continue 3-4 hours to Mweka Gate (1,650m). At the gate, you’ll complete exit formalities and receive your summit certificate (if Uhuru Peak was reached). You’ll then transfer by vehicle (1 hour) to Springlands Hotel in Moshi to relax.

Altitude: 4,670 m – 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) – 1,650 m (Mweka Gate) – 900 m (Moshi)
Hiking distance: 5 km (ascent), 12 km (descent)
Hiking time: 6-8 hours (ascent), 5-7 hours (descent)

Day Activities.
Wake up at midnight for a light breakfast at Barafu Camp.
Trek 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak through the arctic zone.
Celebrate reaching the summit and enjoy sunrise views.
Descend 2-3 hours to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch.
Continue descending 3-4 hours to Mweka Gate through moorland and rainforest.
Complete exit formalities and receive your summit certificate.
Transfer by vehicle (~40 km, 1 hour) to Springlands Hotel.
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the summit push.

"Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route was a life-changing adventure! The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and the porters made every campsite feel like home. The views from the Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall were breathtaking, and reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise was unforgettable. The team’s support made all the difference!"

Sarah Mira New York, USA

"This trek was beyond my expectations. The Lemosho Route offered stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to the arctic summit. The daily briefings and delicious meals kept us energized and motivated. Our guide’s expertise and encouragement helped me conquer the summit. Highly recommend this journey!"

Mathew Lane Milan, Italy

"As a first-time trekker, I was nervous, but the team made the Lemosho Route trek seamless and enjoyable. The gradual ascent helped with acclimatization, and the camaraderie among the group was heartwarming. Standing on Uhuru Peak was a moment of pride I’ll cherish forever!"

Austin Robert Paris, France

"The Lemosho Route is the way to go for Kilimanjaro! The scenery was spectacular, especially at Lava Tower and the summit. The porters and chef went above and beyond, and the organization was flawless. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience I’d do again in a heartbeat!"

Eric Richardson Paris France

1. What is the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best route depends on your preferences. The Lemosho Route (8 days) is scenic and less crowded, with good acclimatization. Marangu Route (5-6 days) offers hut accommodations but is busier. Machame Route (6-7 days) is challenging and popular. Rongai Route (6-7 days) is quieter, approaching from the north. Your fitness, time, and budget will guide your choice.

2. How physically demanding is a Kilimanjaro trek?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is strenuous due to high altitude (up to 5,895m at Uhuru Peak), long hiking days (3-8 hours), and varying terrain. No technical climbing skills are needed, but good physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience are essential. Pre-trek training (hiking, cardio, strength exercises) is highly recommended.

3. What is the risk of altitude sickness, and how is it managed?

Altitude sickness is a risk due to rapid elevation gain. Routes like Lemosho and Machame include acclimatization days (e.g., Lava Tower on Lemosho Day 5). Guides monitor symptoms, encourage slow pacing (“pole pole”), ensure hydration, and may administer oxygen or descend if needed. Diamox is sometimes used as a preventive medication.

4. What gear and clothing should I bring for the trek?

Pack layered clothing (base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket), sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), trekking poles, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and personal medications. A daypack is needed for daily essentials, as porters carry most gear. Tour operators often provide detailed packing lists.

5. Are meals and accommodations included in Kilimanjaro treks?

Most treks include all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by a chef, designed to be nutritious and energy-rich. Accommodations are typically tents set up by porters, except on the Marangu Route, which uses huts. Treks usually start and end with hotel stays in Moshi or Arusha.

6. How safe is trekking Kilimanjaro, and what support is provided?

Trekking is generally safe with reputable operators. Professional guides monitor health and weather, provide daily briefings, and are trained in first aid. Porters carry gear, and cooks prepare meals. Emergency evacuation plans are in place, and some operators carry oxygen or portable altitude chambers.

7. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times are the dry seasons: January-March and June-October. These periods offer clearer skies and less rain, improving views and trail conditions. July-September is popular but busier. Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November) due to muddy trails and reduced visibility.

8. Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Tanzania?

Most travelers need a visa for Tanzania, obtainable on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or online in advance. Check with the Tanzanian embassy for your country’s requirements. Vaccinations like yellow fever (if coming from an endemic area), typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended. Consult a travel clinic for advice.

9. How much does a Kilimanjaro trek cost, and what does it include?

Costs vary ($1,500-$3,500 USD) depending on the route, duration, group size, and operator. Prices typically include guides, porters, meals, camping equipment, park fees, and transfers to/from Moshi or Arusha. Exclusions may include tips, personal gear, and international flights.

10. What happens if I can’t reach the summit?

Safety is prioritized. If you experience altitude sickness, fatigue, or other issues, guides will assess your condition and may descend to a lower altitude. You’ll receive a certificate for the highest point reached (e.g., Stella Point at 5,739m). Guides and porters ensure a safe return to the gate.