7 Days Machame trek
Trek Overview
Upon arrival, you will be picked up by the Bora team from the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest and receive a briefing about the trek. The 7-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a slower and more gradual climb. This allows for better altitude adjustment, which helps increase your chances of reaching the summit. This extended trek is ideal for climbers who want a more gradual acclimatization process. It’s important to follow your guides’ advice, stay hydrated, and be aware of the effects of high altitude.
Detailed Itinerary
On your arrival day, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your time of arrival, you can rest and relax or have a briefing about Kilimanjaro and gears check with your mountain guide. This will give you a chance to make final preparations before beginning your adventure the next day.
After breakfast, we will drive from Moshi to the Machame park gates to begin the trek. We will then start our trek through the lush rainforest, which is home to many plants and animals. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. The trek is about 11 kilometers long and will take 5 to 6 hours, climbing from 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) to 2,835 meters (9,301 feet). We will arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
On this day, we will ascend from 2,835 meters (9,301 feet) to 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) over a distance of 5 kilometers. The trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours as we move from the rainforest into the heath and moorland zones. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We will reach Shira Cave Camp by late afternoon, where we will spend the night.
On this day, we will trek from 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) to 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) and then descend to 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) over a distance of 10 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 5 to 6 hours, will take us across the Shira Plateau and through the heather and moorland zones. We’ll pass the Lava Tower to aid with acclimatization at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp, where we’ll spend the night and enjoy stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
Today is all about the Barranco Wall! We’ll start by conquering this challenging but rewarding section, ascending from 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) to 3,995 meters (13,107 feet) over a distance of 6 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, continues with a traverse through the Karanga Valley, providing further acclimatization. We’ll end the day by setting up camp at Karanga, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Today, we’ll ascend from 3,995 meters (13,107 feet) to 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) over a distance of 4 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, will lead us through the stark alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base for our summit push. After reaching camp, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. The landscape at Barafu is rugged and barren, reflecting the harsh beauty of the alpine desert.
Today, the journey begins around midnight as we start the ascent from 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). After reaching Stella Point and continuing to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, you’ll experience the breathtaking summit of Kilimanjaro in the Arctic Zone. After celebrating at the top, we will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) for the night. The entire trek covers 19 kilometers and takes about 15 to 16 hours.
Today, we will descend from 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) over a 10-kilometer trek that takes about 3 to 4 hours. We’ll pass through the beautiful rainforest and reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive certificates and a medal for completing the climb. After celebrating your achievement, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest or more celebrations, as you’ve just conquered the highest freestanding mountain in the world!
Pricing
Your experience is unique. Let’s discuss a pricing plan that perfectly suits your needs
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Machame route?
Best time for Machame route
Seasonal Advice:
The best time to trek the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from December to February. These months offer the best weather conditions, with clearer skies and a lower chance of rain, making for a more enjoyable climb.
Accommodation in Machame
Machame campsites offer a comfortable and unique camping experience on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite being basic, the campsites provide essential amenities like walk-in tents, camp beds, portable toilets, and mess tents. Enjoy stunning mountain views, relax in a peaceful atmosphere, and recharge after a long day of trekking. Remember to pack warm clothing, a headlamp, and respect the environment.
Machame Expert Advice
The Machame Route is ideal for trekkers who are looking for a scenic and varied climb with good acclimatization opportunities. To increase your chances of reaching the summit, take it slow and stay hydrated. Consider the 7-day option over the 6-day to give your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Trekking poles can also be helpful for the steep sections, especially during the descent. Finally, be prepared for all types of weather and pack layers to stay comfortable
Popular machame FAQS
The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult to challenging. It involves steep ascents and longer trekking days, making it best suited for trekkers with some prior hiking experience.
The best time to climb the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, from late June to October and from December to February. These periods offer more stable weather, clearer skies, and a more enjoyable trekking experience.
Essential gear includes a good-quality sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack. Your tour operator usually provides camping equipment, but personal gear is your responsibility.
The Machame Route is approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) long and typically takes 7 days to complete. This includes six days of trekking and one day for the summit attempt.
Accommodations on the Machame Route are in mountain tents provided by your trekking company. You’ll camp at designated sites along the route, with basic but necessary facilities available.
The Machame Route is popular, so it can be busy, especially during the peak trekking seasons. However, its longer duration and diverse trails help distribute trekkers along the way, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.
The success rate for reaching the summit via the Machame Route is high, with about 85-90% of trekkers making it to the top. This is largely due to the route’s gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile.
Trivia About Machame
Bill Clinton – 2005: The former U.S. President climbed to raise awareness for global health issues.
Mia Farrow – 2009: The actress and activist climbed to support humanitarian efforts, especially for children in Darfur.
Mikhail Gorbachev – 2002: The former Soviet leader climbed to promote environmental awareness.
Megan Fox – 2010: The actress climbed to raise awareness for global health and environmental issues.
Richard Branson – 2010: The entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group climbed to raise funds for charity.
Youngest Climber:
The youngest person to successfully climb Kilimanjaro is Mikayla McGowan, who reached the summit at the age of 7 in 2010.
Oldest Climber:
The oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro is Anne Lorimor, who summited at the age of 89 in 2019.
Fastest Climb:
The fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro is held by Kilian Jornet, who completed it in just under 7 hours in 2010.
Lemosho Route:
This route starts further west and can connect with the Machame Route on the way to the summit.
Shira Route:
This route also begins in the west and intersects with the Machame Route, providing stunning views.
Umbwe Route:
This is a more challenging route that can join the Machame Route as climbers approach the summit.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents