Kilimanjaro climbing Machame

7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route: A challenging trek to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, offering stunning views and a memorable trek adventure.

$1550-1800 USD

pp

Safari summary

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

The Machame Route is one of the most popular trekking paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes. Spanning approximately 62 kilometers (about 38.5 miles) over a duration of seven days, this route offers trekkers a gradual ascent that enhances acclimatization, significantly increasing the chances of reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. The popularity of the Machame Route stems from its stunning views, diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforest to alpine desert, and relatively high success rate for summiting, which is estimated to be around 85% when trekkers follow proper acclimatization practices.

The challenge/difficult using Machame route for your 7 days climb

The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is renowned for its stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems, but it also presents significant challenges for climbers. One of the main difficulties faced by trekkers is the risk of altitude sickness, which can occur due to the rapid ascent associated with this route. Over a typical 7 days Kilimanjaro climbing, climbers ascend to high altitudes quickly, often exceeding 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) within just a few days. This swift elevation gain does not allow sufficient time for proper acclimatization, making climbers susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).Another challenge of Machame route climbing Barranco Wall, a steep and intimidating cliff face that requires careful scrambling and physical exertion to ascend. This section can be daunting for many trekkers as it demands both mental fortitude and physical strength, particularly because it involves using hands for support in certain areas.

Benefits of Using the 7-Day Climbing Machame Route
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame route offers several significant advantages, particularly in terms of acclimatization, overall experience, and summit success rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these benefits:

1. Improved Acclimatization

One of the primary benefits of the 7-day itinerary is its focus on acclimatization. The extra day allows climbers to ascend gradually, which is crucial for adapting to the high altitude. This method follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” where climbers reach higher altitudes during the day but return to lower elevations to sleep. This strategy helps stimulate red blood cell production and enhances oxygen delivery throughout the body, significantly reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

2. Higher Summit Success Rates

The 7-day Machame route boasts a notably higher summit success rate compared to its 6-day counterpart. Data indicates that climbers on the 7-day itinerary have a summit success rate of approximately 93.1% at Uhuru Peak, compared to just 87.3% for those on the 6-day route. This increased likelihood of reaching the summit can be attributed to better acclimatization and reduced fatigue.

Important Things to Pack for Your Machame Route 7-Day Climb

When preparing for a 7-day climb on the Machame route of Mount Kilimanjaro, it is essential to pack a variety of items that ensure your comfort, safety, and success during the trek. First, you should include clothing layers such as moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (like fleece or down jackets), and waterproof outer layers (such as a rain jacket and pants) to adapt to varying weather conditions. Second, pack hiking boots that are well-fitted, broken-in, and suitable for rugged terrain, along with gaiters to keep debris out. Third, bring a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures (ideally below -10°C/14°F) and a sleeping pad for insulation from the ground. Fourth, include a daypack for carrying essentials during daily hikes, along with sufficient water bottles or hydration systems to stay hydrated at high altitudes. Fifth, don’t forget essential gear like a headlamp with extra batteries, trekking poles for stability, and a good-quality first aid kit stocked with altitude sickness medication. Additionally, pack personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, insect repellent, toiletries, and toilet paper. Lastly, consider bringing snacks like energy bars or trail mix for quick energy boosts on the trail. Properly organizing these items will greatly enhance your climbing experience on the Machame route.

Price for 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing for 1-10 Persons

The price for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route varies based on the number of climbers in your group. Here’s a breakdown of the costs per person depending on the group size:

1 Person: $1,750
2-4 Persons: $1,550 per person
5-7 Persons: $1,500 per person
8-10 Persons: $1,450per person

NB: Africalife tours and safari will give the offer for the group leader who will gather the group of 10 person will climb for free with no charge


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Hiking | trekking
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • All drinks
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Machame gate-machame camp

Kilimanjaro

The 7 days climbing begins at the Machame Gate, where climbers register and receive a briefing. The trek starts with a lush rainforest walk, characterized by towering trees and vibrant flora. This section is relatively easy but can be muddy. After approximately 5-7 hours of hiking, trekkers arrive at Machame Camp, situated at an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). Here, climbers set up camp and enjoy dinner at Machame camp

Machame camp

Machame camp-Shira camp

Kilimanjaro

On Day 2 of 7 days Machame route, trekkers ascend through moorland vegetation towards Shira Camp, located at around 3,840 meters (12,567 feet). This segment takes about 4-6 hours and offers stunning views of Kibo Peak. The terrain becomes more rugged as hikers traverse rocky paths. Upon reaching Shira Camp, climbers can explore the Shira Plateau and witness spectacular sunsets over the mountain. Here you will enjoy your night at shira campsite preparing for your upcoming day of your trek

Shira camp

Shira Camp-Lava Tower-Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

The third day involves a longer trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp, which sits at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters (12,992 feet). This journey takes about 6-8 hours and includes a significant ascent followed by a descent into the Barranco Valley. The Barranco Wall presents a challenging climb but rewards trekkers with panoramic views. Setting up camp here allows for rest before tackling higher altitudes

Barranco camp

Barranco Camp- Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

fter breakfast at Barranco Camp, climbers tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a steep climb that requires some scrambling but is manageable for most trekkers. Following this ascent, hikers descend into the Karanga Valley before ascending again to reach Karanga Camp (around 4,000 meters or 13,123 feet) after about 4-5 hours of trekking. This day serves as an excellent acclimatization opportunity.

Karanga camp

Karanga camp-barafu camp

Kilimanjaro

On Day 5 of your Machame route to Mount Kilimanjaro, trekkers make their way from Karanga to Barafu Camp, located at approximately 4,680 meters (15,354 feet). This trek lasts around 4-5 hours and involves traversing alpine desert landscapes with fewer vegetation types. Barafu serves as the base camp for summiting Kilimanjaro; thus it’s crucial for climbers to rest well in preparation for their early morning ascent

Barafu camp

Summit day-back mweka camp

Kilimanjaro

Summit Day! You will wake up early in the morning for a pre-dawn attempt at reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent is steep and challenging, with sections involving scrambling over rocks and snow. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, .After celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp through Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft). This long day covers approximately 16km (9.9 miles) and can take up to 12-15 hours.

Mweka camp

Mweka camp-mweka gate

Kilimanjaro

On the final day of trekking, climbers descend from Mweka Camp back down through lush rainforest trails leading back to the Mweka Gate where they officially conclude their trek. This descent typically takes around 3-4 hours. At Mweka Gate, successful climbers receive certificates commemorating their achievement before returning to Moshi or Arusha for celebrations.

Mweka gate

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YAScore: 88/100
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