Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

7 days—"Scaling the Roof of Africa: A Seven-Day Machame Route Itinerary"

$1950-2300 USD

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Safari summary

The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft •Distance: 11 km •Hiking Time: 5-7 hours •Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp

Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft •Distance: 5 km •Hiking Time: 4-6 hours •Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Shira Campsite

Shira Camp-Lava Tower to Barranco

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 6-8 hours •Habitat: Semi Desert today's climb takes you up the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging climb that requires the use of hands and feet. You'll then traverse a series of valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters) for the night.

Baranco Campiste

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft •Distance: 5 km •Hiking Time: 4-5 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Karanga Campsite

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft •Distance: 4 km •Hiking Time: 4-5 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Barafu Campsite

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) •Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent •Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent •Habitat: Arctic You will wake up at midnight and begin your ascent to the summit. The trail is steep and rocky, and you'll need to take frequent breaks to catch your breath. You'll reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) j, and you'll have a views of the African plains below. You'll then descend to Mweka Camp for the night.

Mweka Campsite

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Kilimanjaro

•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours •Habitat: Rain Forest After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

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